UTAPHAO, Thailand – Combat Aircrew (CAC) 5 and 10 maintainers returned from Thailand on Aug. 10 after a 10-day exercise.

Thailand Sea Surveillance Survey (SEASURVEX) 2011 was designed to foster international relations between the Royal Thai Navy and U.S. Navy.

On August 2, CAC 5 and Royal Thai Navy 102nd Squadron aircrew joined together at a symposium to discuss details of the event to be flown two days later. The two aircrews sorted out specifics, including coordinates of the operating area, frequencies for safety of flight, and altitude de-confliction.

Lt. j.g. Jon Torbett presented a series of briefs focused on contact identification techniques, crew fatigue recognition and prevention, and anti-piracy operations. He also led a discussion on operational risk management, a process that the U.S. Navy incorporates into many mission-related decisions.

On Aug. 3, Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 maintainers were given a tour of the 102nd Squadron maintenance spaces.

“Seeing their electronics shop was a trip back in time,” said Aviation Technician First Class Hochstatter. “We hope that our maintenance procedures will help influence sound practices and that their programs will continue to improve.”

The morning of Aug. 4 began with a joint Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight off the coast of Thailand. CAC 5 used its radar and worked cooperatively with the Royal Thai Navy P-3A to visually identify surface contacts. After 90 minutes, the two aircraft conducted an altitude swap and the Thai P-3 assumed on-scene command. Using the Automated Identification System, the Thai P-3 identified surface contacts and CAC 5 visually confirmed the contacts. The exercise concluded with the Thai and U.S. aircrews conducting a simulated weapons training.

“Working with friendly nations is always a pleasure, especially on a tactical level,” said Lt. Danny Rees.

Lt. Cmdr. Jim Imlah, detachment officer-in-charge, presented the commanding officer of 102nd Squadron with a plaque in appreciation of the hospitality and friendship.

Following the exercise, VP-40 aircrew and maintainers were given the opportunity to tour a portion of Thailand and explore the town of Pattaya before returning to Okinawa.

“Working with the Royal Thai Navy was a great opportunity to practice interoperability and to execute Maritime Domain Awareness in the Gulf of Thailand,” said Imlah.