VP-40 joins forces with Royal Australian Air Force

Rear Adm. Sean Buck shakes the hand of Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Brown while thanking the members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 for their achievements and diligences during Talisman Sabre 2011. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Julian R. Moorefield/Released

Both take part in Talisman Sabre 2011

QUEENSLAND, Australia — The United States military and Australian Defense Forces (ADF) gathered in Queensland and the Northern Australian Territories for the 2011 iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS11). TS11 is a combined, bilateral exercise that trains Pacific Command (PACOM) forces with the ADF in maritime, littoral, and overland combat scenarios. Accompanying them were behind-the-scene ground maintenance and personnel members critical in the execution of these units’ daily operations.

Two aviation squadrons participating in this exercise were Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 10 Squadron, also flying the P-3C Orion. These squadrons had the unique experience of working hand-in-hand in the air and on the ground, continuing to build upon the strong military relationship between the U.S. and Australia.

VP-40 sent three highly qualified combat air crews (CAC), two P-3C aircraft, and a maintenance detachment to operate out of RAAF AB Amberley, Australia. TS11 provided real-world training in several different mission sets. Some of the mission sets executed by both squadrons were anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surveillance support and control, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance.

TS11 began with several flights, during which aircrew from both squadrons executed the Orion’s primary mission: ASW. This provided a great opportunity for both squadrons to see first-hand how each operates tactically in the maritime domain. Also, both Australian and U.S. Orion aircrew had the unique opportunity to fly aboard the other nation’s P-3C.

“This experience really solidified the interaction and combined concept executed by the U.S. and Australian forces throughout the exercise. It was an excellent experience to see the way they [Australians] operate the P-3,” said Lt. Jared Stolle, VP-40 Patrol Plane Commander, about his flight with RAAF 10 Squadron. “They are professionals and very good at their jobs.”

Cmdr. Brett Mietus accepts a plaque from the commanding officer of Royal Australian 10 Squadron. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Julian R. Moorefield/Released

The bulk of the missions flown by VP-40’s CAC 1, 3 and 8 provided tactical support to several surface and amphibious forces. Some of the specific missions flown by VP-40 were high value unit protection, opposed replenishment at sea, and overhead ISR support for an amphibious assault conducted by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“It was really rewarding and it felt like I was really helping as I cleared the areas in front of the ground troops to help them move in safely,” said Naval Aircrewman Third Class Garth Stephen.

Overall TS11 successfully grew U.S. and Australian relations as well as the ability to operate as a combined force in a variety of mission sets. TS11 also emphasized the importance of the security in this region and how Australian forces have a critical role in the protection of this part of our Pacific Theater.

Rear Adm. Sean Buck, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force 7th Fleet, thanked VP-40 and the Australians for their achievements and diligence during this highly successful exercise. VP-40 looks forward to participating in future exercises and operations with the Australians.