P-8A Ready for Takeoff at Cutlass Fury [Image 5 of 5]

UNITED STATES

09.16.2019

Photo by Lt.j.g. Timothy Devlin 

Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN (VP-16)

War Eagles Demonstrate the P-8A’s Abilities at Cutlass Fury

Story by:
Lt. j.g. Emily Brown
Lt. j.g. Tim Devlin

JACKSONVILLE, Fla – The War Eagles of Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 played a pivotal role in NATO exercise Cutlass Fury held in Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Royal Canadian Air Force hosted five countries including the United States, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. The dynamic events conducted during the exercise included a submarine, a diverse array of surface ships, and various maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters. Despite the region being struck by Hurricane Dorian days prior, the determination and flexibility of all involved enabled the honing of tactical proficiency and effectiveness over the 12 day exercise.

21 members of VP-16 participated in the exercise. The aircrew, led by Lt. Greg Polak, operated with NATO Allies to not only obtain readiness and proficiency, but to continue to foster partnerships and ensure coordinated future endeavors. The War Eagles part in the exercise’s events was made possible by the maintenance detachment team led by Senior Chief Petty Officer Perry Moore. The team worked tirelessly to prepare and launch six on-time and successful flights with a fully mission capable aircraft.

With each event of Cutlass Fury, the War Eagles missions increased in complexity and became more dynamic. Patrol Plane Commander Lt. Nicholas Beasley stated, "Our crew had to adapt to some unique situations while working, but overall we enjoyed working with the various nation’s surface ships and helicopters."

Capt. Denis Chaqoutte, a member of the Canadian Royal Air Force, who played an integral role in the coordination of the exercise affirmed how paramount Patrol Squadron Sixteen's involvement was in this year's Cutlass Fury exercise.

"It was enjoyable to have the War Eagles work with us in an exercise environment where we could learn from each other and grow in our proficiency through dynamic operations. Their professionalism and hard work made Cutlass Fury successful and fun."

Cutlass Fury was both successful and rewarding for the VP-16 War Eagles who executed six events, totaling 42.8 flight hours, all while continuing to build relationships with Allied militaries.

When asked about his overall experience at Cutlass Fury, Lt.j.g Thomas Munns said, "The Canadian Royal Air Force were wonderful hosts and we cannot thank them enough for their hospitality and help. They made this experience so enjoyable. I hope to come back and work with them again."

• Date Taken: 09.16.2019
• Date Posted: 10.09.2019 12:00
• Photo ID: 5807783
• VIRIN: 191003-N-VD615-0004
• Resolution: 4032x1960
• Size: 3.11 MB
• Location: US