'War Eagles' Meet with Japanese Partners

By Lt. j.g. Michael Glynn, VP-16 Public Affairs

NAHA, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors from the 'War Eagles' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 met with fellow maritime patrol professionals from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) to strengthen their working relationship Dec. 16.

VP-16 Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Brad Rosen, met with the commanding officer of the JMSDF VP-5, Capt. Akira Ichida, exchanged gifts and sat down to familiarize themselves prior to the next few months of combined operations.

"The chance to sit down with our counterparts from VP-5 is valuable for both parties," commented Rosen. "The JMSDF are extremely professional and it's a pleasure to work with them. We're proud to fly and work side-by-side."

"We are very happy to continue our cooperation with VP-16. Strong coordination is important for future operations," Ichida said to the group of U.S. naval officers.

Sailors from VP-5 operate the Japanese version of the P-3C Orion. The squadron is based at Naha airport in Okinawa and is very active in patrolling the waters around the southern Japanese islands. In accordance with Japan's pacifist constitution, JMSDF forces observe the exclusive economic zone and conduct routine reconnaissance missions.

"It's a pleasure to meet and work with our JMSDF partners," said 'War Eagle' liaison officer, Lt. Phil Jenkins.

The 'War Eagles' of VP-16 and 'Pegasus' team of VP-5 are currently conducting maritime patrol operations in the western Pacific. VP-16 conducts security, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet and is currently deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa from its homeport Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.