Akita Rescue Squadron Visits VP-8

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jerome Johnson | MISAWA, Japan (July 31, 2019) – Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 2nd Class Richard Johnsonlee assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, explains how to use a Sonobuoy Rotary Launcher to personnel assigned to the Akita Rescue Squadron, during a static display onboard Misawa Air Base. The Akita Rescue Squadron, is one of the ten rescue squadrons attached to the Japanese Air Rescue Wing. VP-8 is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerome D. Johnson)  

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN

07.31.2019

Courtesy Story

Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8)

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) – Several members from the Akita Rescue Squadron, visited Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 at Misawa AB, Japan July 31. The Akita Rescue Squadron is one of the 10 rescue squadrons attached to the Japanese Air Rescue Wing based out of Akita Air Base in Akita Prefecture. VP-8 and the Akita Rescue Squadron worked together in a joint search of a downed F-35A Lightning II off the coast of Japan in April 2019.

Lt. j.g. Kent Iizuka, a VP-8 pilot, presented the rescue squadron with a brief overview of the capabilities and mission sets of the squadron’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) P-8A Poseidon.

“Lt. j.g. Iizuka was such a huge help today not only in the presentation but also interpreting the dialogue between both parties,” said Lt. Robert Marshall, a VP-8 pilot and the event coordinator.

Afterwards, a pilot from the rescue squadron provided the VP-8 guests with an overview of their organizational structure as well as capabilities of their search and rescue aircraft. The Akita Rescue Squadron is equipped with UH-60J and U-125A aircraft.

“It was interesting to learn about the capabilities of the rescue squadron’s aircraft,” said Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 2nd Class Alexander Meffe, a VP-8 acoustic operator. “While we don’t often work directly with the Japanese Air Rescue Wing, it’s important for our community to understand how we can better aid their platforms on station in a search and rescue scenario.”

At the conclusion of the briefs, Lt. Marshall led the group outside to the P-8A static display located in front the squadron’s hangar. The visitors from the rescue squadron were given the opportunity to board the plane and interact with P-8A aircrew, seeing firsthand each of their respective jobs and associated equipment.

VP-8 is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 07.31.2019
• Date Posted: 08.07.2019 02:00
• Story ID: 334819
• Location: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP