The train consisted of mission planning, a floor hyperlink change and plane rider exchanges between nations. The RAAF No. 11 Squadron “Black Cat” outfitted with two P-8A plane, the JMSDF Air Patrol Squadron 2 “Odin” with one P-3C plane, and the USN Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 “Tridents” with one P-8A plane, labored as one crew to boost coordination and communication between the three international locations’ maritime patrol forces. The contributors additionally familiarized themselves with the maritime surroundings concerning maritime patrol through the train.
“It has been a fantastic alternative to host the Royal Australian Air Power in Japan and conduct trilateral workouts demonstrating the interoperability of the worldwide maritime patrol drive,” mentioned Cmdr. Curtis White, government officer of VP-26. “It’s vital that we refine our maritime patrol strategies, techniques and procedures to stay proficient alongside our companions and allies.”
The Trident’s P-8A Poseidon is a multi-mission patrol and reconnaissance plane. It’s able to broad-area, maritime and littoral operations, and search and rescue. The Odin Squadron’s P-3C Orion shares related capabilities. Throughout the train the squadrons labored collectively to enhance USN-JMSDF-RAAF data-link connectivity and enhanced interoperability.
VP-26 additionally hosted a barbeque for the contributors offering a possibility for the RAAF and USN to socialize between flight actions.
“This train contributed, not solely to the interoperability among the many three nations, but additionally allowed us to additional strengthen the Japan-U.S.-Australia safety and protection cooperation relationship,” mentioned Cmdr. SAITO Keiichirou, senior officer of JMSDF’s twenty first Air Squadron. “We wish to proceed to enhance our tactical abilities in future trilateral workouts.”
The teachings discovered from the trilateral train included a deeper mutual understanding maritime patrol processes, which can enhance real-world integration between the three international locations.
The VP-26 Tridents are based mostly in Jacksonville, Florida, and are presently ahead deployed to Misawa Air Base, Japan. The squadron conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance as a part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. seventh Fleet space of operations.
U.S. seventh Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and companions in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific area.
