CLARK, Philippines – Patrol Squadron (VP) 40’s Combat Aircrew (CAC) 7 just returned from what may have been one of the most successful detachments during their Seventh Fleet deployment. Maritime Surveillance Exercise (MARSURVEX) 2011 proved significant as both U.S. Navy and Filipino aircrews benefited from the experience.

The Fighting Marlins of VP-40 visited Puerto Princesa, Philippines, earlier during their deployment for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), demonstrating the capabilities and interoperability of the P-3C Orion while working closely with several U.S. and allied surface forces. MARSURVEX allowed VP-40 a second opportunity to demonstrate the flight characteristics of the P-3C, as well as the features of the non-acoustic equipment that is carried onboard.

Throughout the four-day exercise, CAC-7 escorted 10 riders from the Philippine Armed Forces on three flights. MARSURVEX was yet another opportunity for the U.S. Navy to work closely with an allied nation and demonstrate how the maritime community operates.

All three of the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flights consisted of the crew searching two large boxes. After identifying a surface contact on radar, the aircrew would then further identify the contact through Automatic Identification System (AIS) and visually observe the vessel through the Advanced Imaging Multi-Spectral (AIMS) camera.

Of all the non-acoustic equipment, the Filipino riders were particularly intrigued by the Orion’s AIMS sensor.

“It was a good opportunity for me to explain my knowledge of the non-acoustic systems that we use daily to complete our mission,” said Naval Aircrewman Second Class David Parks. “Often, we take our advanced technology for granted. Their curiosity for how the system works was very inspiring.”

CAC-7 also demonstrated the Orion’s long-range capabilities, operating over 250 miles away from the coast of the Philippines. The Filipino pilots that fly the country’s surveillance aircraft were impressed with the distance and area that could be searched in such a small amount of time.

“Having riders from the Philippine Air Force, Marines, and Navy allowed us to explain how our sensors can be used for a plethora of missions, both at sea and in the coastal environment of the Philippine Islands,” said Lt. James Monohan, Tactical Coordinator.

When it was time to leave, representatives from U.S. and Filipino Armed Forces joined together for closing remarks and a gift exchange.

“An opportunity to visit the Philippines and enhance our relations with fellow members of the military was outstanding,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Elfert, detachment officer-in-charge. “The detachment to the Philippines was an essential part of our mission to improve interoperability with our allied forces.”