VP-10 Partners with JMSDF in Joint Maritime Patrol Operations

Photo By Lt.j.g. Stephanie Palacheck | Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) trained with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) squadrons VP-2 and VX-51 during joint maritime patrol exercises. Lt. Erik Gonzalez, Lt. Rory O’Donnell, Lt. Cmdr. Jeffery Walker and Lt. Victoria Wiedmeire pose with their Japanese counterparts during coordinated operations that included training for Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare operations.  

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, JAPAN

10.25.2016

Story by Lt.j.g. Stephanie Palacheck 

Patrol Squadron (VP) 10

MISAWA, Japan – The Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) “Red Lancers” participated with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) VP-2 “Odin” and VX-51 squadrons in coordinated maritime patrol operations Oct. 20.
This was the first joint exercise with the JMSDF to include a P-8A Poseidon, P-3C Orion, and Kawasaki P-1. The P-8A arrived in the 7th Fleet area of operations in December 2013 and is the U.S. Navy’s replacement platform for the P-3C. The P-1 is JMSDF’s new maritime patrol aircraft developed to replace their aging P-3Cs as well.
Lt. Cmdr. David McLaughlin stated, “This joint training was an exciting opportunity for VP-10 to work with Japan’s new Kawasaki P-1 and compare the capabilities of the P-1 and P-8A.”
The bilateral training included coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare operations. With three dissimilar aircraft involved in prosecutions on-station, VP-2, VX-51 and VP-10 worked well together to complete the maritime exercise safely and efficiently.
Lt. Gonzalez spoke highly of the experience and the knowledge gained during this joint exercise. “The event proved to be a great learning experience and demonstrated how good planning can improve interoperability and alleviate potential communication barriers. We were very impressed with VP-2 and VX-51’s professionalism on-station and look forward to more opportunities like this in the future.”
VP-10 is currently deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations where they have participated in multiple multinational exercises with regional allies. Training opportunities like this continue to build valuable ties, improve interoperability, and enhance our collective capabilities to better protect our mutual interests in the region.

• Date Taken: 10.25.2016
• Date Posted: 12.28.2016 21:49
• Story ID: 212793
• Location: NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, JP