This crew swap allowed both VP-10 and FAW-4 to share ASW techniques and best practices, as well as ensure continued interoperability between P-8A and P-1
As reported by LTJG Stephanie Palacheck from Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 in his article VP-10 ‘Red Lancers’ Conduct Compatibility Exercises with JMSDF Counterparts, the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10) conducted a four-day joint compatibility and training exercise with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Fleet Air Wing Four (FAW-4), Feb. 14-17, 2017.
The exercise began with compatibility testing between the U.S. Navy’s new P-8A and the JMSDF’s newest maritime patrol aircraft, the Kawasaki P-1. Lt. j.g. Stills, the VP-10 exercise coordinator, stressed the significance of this testing for the future of joint operations. “It is important to maintain an awareness of our joint capabilities; especially as we both transition from the older P-3C Orion to newer platforms with the latest in avionics and technology,” said Stills.
The training concluded with Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and rider exchange events. Members of VP-10 joined the VP-3 “Sea Eagles” on a P-1, and hosted FAW-4 crewmembers on an ASW flight in the P-8A. This crew swap allowed both VP-10 and FAW-4 to share ASW techniques and best practices, as well as ensure continued interoperability between aircraft platforms.
“I learned a lot on both a strategic and cultural level while flying with VP-3,” said Lt. Alejandro Ravelo, who flew with the Sea Eagles on one of the flights. “Events like this allow us to share tactics for standardizing ASW procedures, which correlates to more efficient evolutions in the future.”
The Red Lancers are based out of Naval Air Station (NAS), Jacksonville and are currently on a six-month deployment in support of U.S. 7th Fleet. This exercise was one of many bilateral events that VP-10 has participated in throughout their deployment. Training conducted at these events helps to strengthen interoperability between forces, enhance the USN-JMSDF alliance, and strengthen theater security cooperation.
Photo credit: Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Morin and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Douglas G. Wojciechowski / U.S. Navy
Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com
