VP-45 Aircrew Demonstrate Multi-National Operations Ability in CARAT 2018

MALAYSIA

08.22.2018

Story by Lt.j.g. brendan perry 

Patrol Squadron 45

TAWAU, Malaysia- The “Pelicans” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45’s Combat Air Crew-Three (CAC-3) along with Executive Officer, Cmdr. Paul Nickell, recently traveled to Indonesia to participate in the 24th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2018. CARAT events are designed to address the shared maritime security priorities of participating nations and develop professional relationships which improve combined force proficiency in dynamic operational environments.

This year’s exercise included combined flight operations as well as participation in an aviation symposium with topics ranging from mission planning for SAREX (Search and Rescue exercise) and SEASURVEX (Surface Warfare exercise) flights and a discussions on Indonesian National Military – Navy (TNI-AL) fleet structure.
The symposium was attended by CTF-73 Commander, Rear Adm. Joe Tynch. The mission planning consultation provided an excellent opportunity for the forces to compare resources and procedures at the tactical level, operator to operator, which is one of the most effective ways to bring about tangible improvements while on station.
During opening remarks from both countries, CDR Nickell commented on the significance of Indonesia’s location and history in the region, stating that “Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic state, spanning across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with over 30% of global trade, in excess of $5 Trillion USD, transiting through this part of the world, regional cooperation and adherence to internationally recognized rules-based order have never been so important.”
Exercises such as the CARAT series focus on providing maritime domain awareness and specifically on the speed and ease of exchanging information between ships and aircraft of different participating nations. CDR Nickell, continued by saying “our relationship and this exercise reaffirm the shared Indonesia-United States promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
The World Famous Pelicans will continue to build critical relationships with the Indonesian Navy and its citizens through a TNI-AL and USN hosted reception as well as an education focused static display of the P-8A Poseidon, the Navy’s newest and most advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) platform, along with the TNI-AL Casa MPA. Additionally, CAC-3 joined a special group of educators at the National Jakarta Intercultural School, sharing experiences through sports, reading, and music, as the U.S. 7th Fleet and TNI-AL Bands performed for a packed auditorium.
“As CTF-72’s representative to CARAT, it’s been an honor to support U.S. Embassy, CTF-73 and TNI-AL goals. We continue to grow our partnership, advancing our mutual interests of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said LT Kevin Howard, VP-45’s Squadron Maritime Tactics Instructor.
Patrol Squadron 45 is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting theater and national level tasking in support of U.S. 7th Fleet, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Command.

• Date Taken: 08.22.2018
• Date Posted: 09.20.2018 01:25
• Story ID: 293622
• Location: MY