‘War Eagles’ conduct flyover for Japanese OCS graduation

KANOYA, AICHI, JAPAN

03.22.2012

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet   

By Lt. j.g. Michael Glynn
VP-16 Public Affairs

KANOYA, Japan – Aircrew from the ‘War Eagles’ of Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 joined their Japanese maritime patrol counterparts, to conduct a flyover in celebration of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Officer Candidate School graduation ceremony March 20.

The flyover was conducted over Eta Jima Naval Base and was the first of its kind involving American and Japanese P-3C Orion patrol aircraft.

“I believe the interaction between aircrews is critical to forging a stronger relationship with our Japanese brothers and sisters,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Calloway. “We hope this flight is a springboard for future cooperation.”

War Eagle aircrew had previously traveled to Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima prefecture to meet and prepare with pilots from JMSDF. Following a series of briefs, Japanese and American pilots conducted a practice fly-by to enhance coordination.

Lt. Cmdr. Taichi Nishio, who serves as operations officer for JMSDF and flew one of the Japanese aircraft involved in the ceremony, said he was happy to be a part of the flyover.

“It was a very precious experience for us,” said Nishio.

“The opportunity to participate in a flyover of Eta Jima was nothing short of phenomenal,” said Lt. Phil Jenkins, a War Eagle liaison. “Having been to the academy when I studied abroad, I know how important of a day it is for these new ensigns.”

In the wake of the March 11, 2011, Japan, 9.0, quake and tsunami, American and Japanese maritime patrol crews worked together to locate survivors and assist rescuers on the ground. The professional relationship between the two nations has even stretched overseas, where American and JMSDF P-3C crews are currently engaged in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

VP-16 is a maritime patrol squadron that conducts routine security, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The squadron operates the P-3C Orion and is homeported at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. In the new future, VP-16 will transition to the new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. VP-16 is currently forward deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan and flies in support of Commander U.S. 7th Fleet.

• Date Taken: 03.22.2012
• Date Posted: 03.22.2012 22:54
• Story ID: 85658
• Location: KANOYA, AICHI, JP