PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – This year’s CARAT (Combined Afloat Readiness and Training) Cambodia began with a bang as Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 was welcomed with waves and cheers upon arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport.

The arrival of the United States military in Cambodia was viewed as more than just the arrival of a P-3C Orion with 21 members of the U.S. Navy on board.

“When the United States military arrives here [in Cambodia], it is a stabilizing force that resonates throughout the country,” said contract liaison Ross Pacini during the arrival reception.

The Fighting Marlins of VP-40 had the honor of hosting several Commanders and Captains of the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN) over four flights off the Cambodian coast. During the flights, the aircrew demonstrated the Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities of the P-3C Orion and how the aircraft and its mission equipment could be utilized to protect and monitor the territorial waters surrounding Cambodia.

“It was exciting to teach foreign officers in positions of leadership how they might be able to utilize the capabilities of the P-3C,” said Lt. James Monohan, Tactical Coordinator.  “The Royal Cambodian Navy is still a budding force within Southeast Asia, and the interest shown in the capabilities of airborne radar, a high-resolution camera, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) was an inspiring look into the future of the Royal Cambodian Naval Forces.”

The goodwill and sharing of information at the heart of any CARAT exercise was exemplified with daily post-flight gift exchanges and words of thanks from each of the military forces.

“It is really a good feeling to see how excited and thankful the senior officers were to have been given the opportunity to go flying,” said Lt. Daniel Rees, Patrol Plane Commander.  “Going on these detachments is eye-opening for many of us, but to witness smiles and appreciation of our efforts from positions of leadership proves that what the U.S. Navy is doing with partner nations is truly worth the time.”

On the final day, Fighting Marlin aircrew presented the RCN with a framed photo of the P-3C Orion, signed by each of the members of the VP-40 aircrew.  The photo was taken by Angkor Brewery, a local favorite of the senior leadership of the RCN, which made the gift even more special.

“Admiral Veasna will truly enjoy this gift,” said Thanrithy Vitti, a local translator for the Cambodian military.