VP-40 supports VBSS during SEACAT Malaysia

By Lt. j.g. David Rosenfelder • July 8, 2011 6:21 am
CAC 6 and maintenance personnel in Kota Kinabalu in support of SEACAT Malaysia 2011. Photo Courtesy of VP-40 Public Affairs

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia – Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 recently took advantage of a unique opportunity to operate out of an international airport in Kota Kinabalu. VP-40 sent 11 aircrewmen and seven maintenance personnel to provide overhead surveillance while Philippine and Malaysian warships executed boarding exercises in support of the 2011 Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) exercise series.

“The SEACAT exercise is an invaluable opportunity for our Southeast Asian friends to practice anti-terrorist/anti-piracy tactics and techniques while managing large-scale, multi-national planning and coordination,” said Lt. j.g. David Rosenfelder, Combat Aircrew (CAC) 6 Tactical Officer. “Establishing these practices between SEACAT nations provides the keys to success in future training and real-world missions.”

CAC 6, lead by Mission Commander Lt. Chris Mottino, was tasked to provide overhead surveillance and real time communication with Philippine and Malaysian naval vessels over three separate missions as they practiced visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) procedures on USNS Safeguard (ARS 50) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93).

The first exercise featured the Philippine Navy practicing compliant boarding procedures on Safeguard. CAC 6 was able to provide an “eye-in-the-sky” for the Philippine Navy as they contacted, approached, and boarded the USNS vessel. The boarding procedures were executed swiftly and with precision. Once the VBSS team safely departed the boarded craft, training was complete.

AE1 Christensen and AME3 Stone repair a fastener on the engine cowling during VP-40’s participation in SEACAT Malaysia. Photo Courtesy of VP-40 Public Affairs

Due to aircraft complications with the oxygen supply system, CAC 6 suffered a delayed takeoff on their second mission.

However, due to outstanding efforts by the airport personnel, CAC 6 launched soon after and still arrived on time to complete the exercise.

“I did not know we could execute missions out of an international airport, but this was made possible because of the support provided by outstanding personnel,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Stewart Stevens. “The ground support personnel at Kota Kinabalu International Airport are true professionals.”

The last event was the smoothest of all. Arriving on station almost an hour early, CAC 6 immediately achieved two-way communications with KD Pahang (F172) and Chung-Hoon. The aircrew provided continuous overhead video and radar coverage as the surface vessels conducted compliant VBSS training.

“The SEACAT Malaysia detachment was fantastic. Airfield personnel provided reliable support and local logistics companies made working out of an international airport possible for P-3 operations. SEACAT 2011 provided an excellent opportunity to work and coordinate with our Southeast Asian friends,” said Lt. Cmdr. Doug Fitchett, detachment officer in charge.