Patrol Squadron 9 and Turkish Maritime Patrol Forces Exchange Tactics in East Med

From Patrol Squadron 9 Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (NNS) -- Members of the Turkish armed forces joined Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 Sailors to exchange maritime patrol tactics and techniques during a one-week detachment at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Feb. 24.

The exchange included three flights, which helped build Maritime Domain Awareness for NATO forces in the Eastern Mediterranean. Two members of the Turkish Naval Forces flew aboard a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft to share their experiences with the American crew.

"Working with professionals from other countries who do the same mission is always eye-opening," said Naval Aircrewman Operator 1st Class (AW) Beau Brian, a member of the U.S. exchange crew.

The flights included maritime security tasking for the maritime patrol aircraft, along with crew drills and simulated emergency procedures. VP-9's Officer in Charge and Mission Commander, Lt. Cmdr. Jerod Konowal planned the missions alongside his Turkish counterpart, Lt. Levent Yaar.

"I was very impressed with the insights that the Turks shared," said Konowal.

The P-3 detachment to Turkey during VP-9's deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations serves as an important event in promoting and strengthening maritime partnerships with European nations.

VP-9 is assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The squadron consists of 71 officers and 276 enlisted personnel who maintain and operate eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

The squadron is forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and is currently assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout the European and African areas of responsibility.