The squadron operated WC-121s between late 1954 and 1972.[5] VW-4 lost one aircraft and crew in a penetration of Hurricane Janet,[6] and another to severe damage in a storm, but the severely damaged Willy Victor (MH-1) brought her crew home, although she never flew again. During 1973–1975, VW-4 operated the turbine-propeller Lockheed WP-3A Orion.