From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- In conjunction with the collaborative
decision to cease flight operations, the two U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft
flying missions in support of the MH370 search efforts, along with USNS Cesar
Chavez (T-AKE 14), were detached from search operations and support efforts in
Perth and will return to other operations within 7th Fleet this week.
The decision to detach the P-8s was made in close
coordination with the governments of Australia and Malaysia in view of the
diminishing possibility debris will be found on the surface of the water.
Overall 7th Fleet patrol aircraft support included 45
missions with 396 hours of flight time, covering 513,000 square nautical miles.
Bluefin-21 completed a sub-surface search of more than 400
square kilometers, focused on a 10 nautical mile radius circle around the
second set of pings detected. We are coordinating with the Australian
government on future employment of the Bluefin-21 and will provide information
as it is finalized.
U.S. 7th Fleet continues to offer support to Australia and
Malaysia as they move forward in long-term recovery efforts.
Approximately 800 Sailors from 7th Fleet assisted in the
search operations, including Sailors from the USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS
Kidd (DDG 100), the P-3 and P-8 squadrons in Malaysia and Australia, USNS Cesar
Chavez, the command and control staff of Seventh Fleet aboard USS Blue Ridge
(LCC 19), and Naval Sea Systems Command.
"Support from our allies and partners in the region has
been exceptional. At one point 26 countries were working together in close
coordination to achieve a common goal," said Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas,
commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "To see such significant depth of international
cooperation coming together for one mission is unprecedented and highly
encouraging for the security and stability of the region."
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