KADENA AIR BASE, Japan —To top off this year’s Fourth of July celebration, the Fighting Marlins of Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 received a visit from Rear Admiral Sean S. Buck, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force 7th Fleet. He is also Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force 5th Fleet and Commander, Fleet Air Forward.

On July 5, the former VP-40 alum joined Fighting Marlin sailors, chiefs, and officers at an all-hands function.

“It is great to be back with my family,” said Buck.

Buck shared the fact that he felt very lucky to still be wearing the uniform of a United States naval officer and is proud to still be serving in the U.S. Navy. He graduated and received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 1983. Two years later, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer and reported to his first tour, VP-40.

After speaking to the command as a whole, he sat down with the sailors, Chief’s Mess, and Officer Wardroom in separate venues to answer questions and express his thoughts and vision to ensure his priorities for 7th Fleet Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft were clear.

He ordered VP-40 to be good ambassadors to Japan, reminding the Fighting Marlins that they are the guests of Okinawa and that they shall continue to enjoy the invitation and ensure the security of America.

Secondly, he stressed the need for naval service members to be fierce warriors and to perform their assigned duties to the best of their abilities.

“It’s the real deal out here. You must be determined to be the best you can possibly be,” said Buck. “We’re here to back up our neighbors.”

Buck asked every Marlin to be a forward thinker and to continue to strive for perfection.

“I can’t be more impressed with VP-40 thus far,” Buck said as he commended the command’s leadership.

Buck received a personal tour of VP-40’s squadron and maintenance spaces, stating this would be the first of three visits that he would make to Commander, Task Group 72.2 during VP-40’s deployment to 7th Fleet.