U-TAPAO, Thailand - The “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 recently traveled to Rayong, Thailand, to take part in Sea Surveillance Exercise (SEASURVEX) alongside members of Squadron 102, Wing One, of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Sept. 5-10.
The exercise demonstrated interoperability and tactical proficiency between the two forces in various maritime domain awareness, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine flight scenarios.
“SEASURVEX 2022 was a great opportunity for both nations to improve our interoperability skills,” said Cmdr. Aut Pangpassa, commanding officer of RTN Squadron 102. “The exercise afforded RTN Squadron 102 a great way to gain knowledge and new perspectives.”
During the exercise, VP-8 flew the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and the RTN Squadron 102 flew the F27-200 MAR Fokker, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of two different platforms achieving a common mission.
“The opportunity to work alongside our Royal Thai Navy counterparts was invaluable,” said Lt. Garrett Garmon, VP-8’s Thailand detachment officer in charge. “The exercise was a rewarding experience which allowed us to showcase the capabilities of the P-8A, as well as improve interoperability with a valued ally.
VP-8 Sailors took additional steps to leave a positive impact on the local community by participating in a community relations event at the Pattaya Orphanage. Sailors split into two groups, one took part in painting a new play area, while the other prepared food for the children to enjoy.
“It was incredibly rewarding to cook a nice meal for the children of this special orphanage,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Gregory Freeman. “I first visited the orphanage ten years ago, and to see how much it has prospered since then is truly inspiring.”
VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, Japan, conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2022 20:12 |
| Story ID: | 430571 |
| Location: | UTAPAO, TH |
| Web Views: | 106 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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