By MC2 Joshua Fulton, CTF 73 Public Affairs
In this file photo, a P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 flies over the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Navy/MC1 Joshua Hammond) >>
SINGAPORE - The U.S. 7th Fleet will rotationally deploy two P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Singapore from July 15 through August 12 in support of shared maritime security initiatives.
The aircraft are assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 that is forward deployed to Japan and participating in maritime security cooperation exercises across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. This is the third rotational P-8 detachment to Singapore after making an inaugural visit in December 2015 and an appearance at the Singapore Air Show in February.
"This rotational detachment reflects the maturity of our partnership with the Republic of Singapore Armed Forces and our shared commitment to maritime security and stability," said Commodore Richard W. Prest, Commander, Task Force 72. "We look forward to working alongside our Singaporean counterparts to further strengthen interoperability while enhancing our readiness to respond to contingencies."
The P8A Poseidon aircraft will operate from Paya Lebar Air Base during their rotational detachment to Singapore, providing an opportunity for U.S. and Singaporean personnel to operate together and share expertise and best practices. The aircraft will also participate in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) bilateral exercise with the Republic of Singapore Armed Forces.
"Our aircrews and support personnel are thrilled to have an opportunity to interact with our maritime patrol counterparts from the Singaporean Armed Forces through our participation in the CARAT and other planned training activities,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Harkins, officer in charge of the P-8 rotational detachment.
The U.S. Navy routinely operates with regional security partners such as the Singapore Armed Forces to promote greater interoperability and maritime cooperation. The U.S. and Singapore have a strong Navy-to-Navy partnership that includes regular personnel exchanges and longstanding participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises such as CARAT, SEACAT and RIMPAC.
The U.S. Navy’s Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 utilizes the advanced capabilities of the newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon. The P-8A, a militarized version of the Boeing 737, is the most advanced long range maritime patrol aircraft in the world.
US Pacific Fleet