VP-10, Japanese Forces conduct anti-submarine training

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) — The Red Lancers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 participated in a Coordinated Maritime Patrol Operational Procedure (CMPOP) with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) from Oct. 29-31.

The exercise took place over three days and included coordinated mission planning, communication systems checks, and a culminating anti-submarine warfare (ASW) event. The purpose of this exercise was to provide an opportunity to conduct coordinated maritime training with the Japanese Squadron, VP-2.

The ASW event took place on Oct. 31 and included one U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon and two JMSDF P-3C Orion aircraft. The P-8A and the P-3C are both equipped for maritime operations and utilized across the Indo-Pacific. This event was an example of impressive communication and coordination between the United States and Japan.

“I am truly humbled to be given the opportunity to strengthen the interoperability between the United States Navy and the JMSDF,” said Lt. Jimmy Boyd, the Tactical Coordinator onboard the P-8A Poseidon. “Increasing the effectiveness of our communication and the ability to fight will make us all stronger.”

One of the P-3C Orion’s dropped an MK-39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target (EMATT). This training target was used to conduct a full ASW mission with three separate aircraft in the operating area. Coordination with VP-2 proved to be an excellent training opportunity, and provided an avenue to strengthen relationships with the JMSDF.

The Red Lancers, based in Jacksonville, Florida, are operating out of Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater security cooperation operations across the Indo-Pacific in support of Commander, Task Force 72 (CTF-72), Commander, 7th Fleet (C7F) and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

Photo Caption:
MISAWA (Oct. 29, 2019) — Aircrew members, attached to the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron 10, meet with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force servicemembers on the flight line during a Coordinated Maritime Patrol Operational Procedure exercise. The "Red Lancers" are currently deployed to Misawa Air Base in Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.