Patrol Squadron FIVE Conducts Flight with Distinguished Visitors Aboard

Photo By Lt.j.g. Reed Arce | (May 28, 2019) Cmdr. Robert Wilkerson, Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, explains the systems of P-8A Poseidon to Mr. Adam Schiff, California’s 28th Congressional District along with other government officials, at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. The “Mad Foxes” of VP-5, who are based out of Jacksonville, Florida, are currently deployed to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. Throughout the deployment, they will be conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F and U.S. Pacific Command objectives throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific region.(U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Reed Arce)  

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, PHILIPPINES

05.27.2019

Story by Lt.j.g. Reed Arce 

Patrol Squadron 5

Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines – On the 27th of May, 12 members of Patrol Squadron FIVE (VP-5) flew a P-8A Poseidon aircraft with distinguished visitors embarked, demonstrating first-hand how the squadron’s mission directly contributes to the security of the region, and overall stability of the global community.

The squadron’s Commanding Officer, Commander Rob Wilkerson, welcomed the Honorable Mr. Adam Schiff, representing California’s 28th Congressional District, along with other government officials, showcasing what VP-5 accomplishes on a daily basis while deployed to the SEVENTH Fleet (C7F) Area of Operations (AOR). The Mad Fox crew departed out of Clark Air Base in the Philippines on Monday morning, and conducted a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) mission near Scarborough Reef in the South China Sea. The geographical location of the Philippines makes the country both a valued partner and strategically important for the navy’s maritime presence in the area.

“It was rewarding to show the Congressman how we operate out here,” said Lt.j.g Brian Gamler. “We were grateful for the opportunity to apply so much training into real-world scenarios, and show others what we do at this level.”

The mission was conducted in accordance with international maritime law in order to showcase the capabilities of the P-8A and help monitor complicated issues in the region. VP-5 and the P-8A community pride themselves on their dynamic ability to conduct these missions in a moment’s notice all over the globe.

The Mad Foxes, who are based out of Jacksonville, Florida, are currently deployed to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. Throughout the deployment, they will be conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the SEVENTH Fleet Area of Operations.

• Date Taken: 05.27.2019
• Date Posted: 06.17.2019 10:09
• Story ID: 327856
• Location: CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, PH