Japan vs. VP-9 friendly game of soccer

Photo By Jeremy S Yarbrough | The "Golden Eagles" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9, based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, play a friendly game of soccer with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) while deployed to Djibouti. The squadron is forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility and is currently assigned to CTF 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout the European and African areas of responsibility. (Photo by Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Ashley Romero/Released)  

DJIBOUTI, DJIBOUTI

01.16.2014

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

DJIBOUTI – Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 played a friendly international soccer match against the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Deployment Air Force for Counter-Piracy Enforcement (DAPE) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Jan. 10.

Although the VP-9 “Golden Eagles” lost to the JMSDF team 4-3 in overtime, the day strengthened an already close bond forged as both maritime patrol squadrons operate forward deployed in the AFRICOM AOR.

Prior to the match, VP-9 hosted 50 Japanese JMSDF P-3C Orion aircrew and maintenance personnel for a tour of their deployed spaces.

JMSDF maintenance professionals walked through the VP-9 maintenance facilities and learned about shared experiences in keeping avionics properly serviced in the arid desert climate.

“It was great to see the exchange of information about lessons learned and protocols involved in keeping these planes flying every day. They got a great peek into the day-to-day routine of VP-9 maintainers,” said Lt. Emily Cordle, a VP-9 pilot.

In turn, “Golden Eagle” aircrews visited Japan’s only forward operating base, receiving a tour of a Japanese P-3C Orion and a brief on current anti-piracy operations. The Japanese DAPE supports the United States' counter-piracy effort in Africa and recently celebrated its 1,000th operational mission.

“The operations described by the JMSDF are very similar to the missions we train for. There was a common bond as we swapped stories about positional duties and squadron life,” said Lt. j.g. Aaron Rosa, a VP-9 navigator.

The JMSDF hosts closed out the visit with gifts of patches and squadron memorabilia to commemorate the event. This most recent military-to-military engagement builds on relationships established when the “Golden Eagles” hosted the JMSDF Detachment 48 during a bilateral exercise last August at their home station in Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

VP-9 was established on March 15, 1951, and is assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The squadron consists of 71 officers and 276 enlisted personnel who maintain and operate eight Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. VP-9 is forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility and is currently assigned to CTF 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout the European and African area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 01.16.2014
• Date Posted: 01.16.2014 18:39
• Story ID: 119283
• Location: DJIBOUTI, DJ