U-TAPAO, Thailand – Beginning with an educational, relations-building symposium and ending with a flawless on-station performance, Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 took advantage of an opportunity to work with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
As part of the Sea Surveillance Exercise (SEASURVEX), VP-40 sent 11 aircrewmen and eight maintenance personnel to participate in coordinated Anti-Surface Warfare Training (ASUW).
Combat Aircrew (CAC) 9, led by Mission Commander and Tactical Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jeremiah Adams, traveled to U-TaPao International Airport, home to Squadron 102 of the RTN. During the symposium, they discussed topics such as Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL), Night Operations, Search and Rescue Procedures, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Additionally, CAC-9 executed tasking designed to develop ASUW proficiency by participating in a simulated coordinated attack on a surface vessel.
The RTN personnel expressed a large interest in the abilities of TCDL to provide real-time, full-motion, streaming video from the P-3C Orion to a ground station or mobile unit. Arrangements were made for all interested personnel to view a demonstration of TCDL throughout the next few days. Additionally, the Thai aircrew gave tours of their two aircraft: the Fauker and P-3A.
“Our nation’s friendship with Thailand is vital to maintaining regional stability,” said Lt. Cmdr. Morrison. “Bilateral exercises such as SEASURVEX serve to preserve and strengthen this friendship, foster a mutual understanding of each nation’s MPRA capabilities, and improve both forces capability to operate in a multinational battle space.”
The following morning, CAC-9 took off from U-TaPao and arrived on station to perform the coordinated ASUW. Soon after, the Thai Fauker arrived and assisted the surface search from a higher altitude. The two aircrews conducted an altitude swap and identified a simulated hostile contact, followed by the simulated, coordinated attack.
“The detachment to Thailand was great. It was really cool to interact with the Thai P-3 squadron, and to find out similarities and differences between our two squadrons,” said Naval Aircrewman Third Class Dominique Demeo.
On the last day, Lt. Darin Wilcken re-enlisted Aviation Electrician Second Class Erik Castro. “It was an amazing experience,” said Castro. “I was given another chance to see how other countries do business within the aviation community. Having the opportunity to re-enlist in Thailand reminds me of why I joined the Navy: to travel the world and have fun while doing our nation’s work.”
SEASURVEX Thailand marks one of VP-40’s last detachments before returning to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
