DVIDS: Pelicans enhance alliance in the Philippines

From DVIDS (Jun 22): Pelicans enhance alliance in the Philippines

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines – The “Pelicans” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 demonstrated the advanced capabilities of the navy’s newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, on June 19, to members of the Philippine air force on a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight in the waters off of Luzon Island, Philippines.

Members of VP-45’s Combat Aircrew Eight (CAC-8) detachment to Clark Air Base exercised forward presence and joint interoperability while fostering the longstanding relationship between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. Navy by demonstrating the operational capabilities of the P-8A Poseidon in a maritime capacity.

Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 2nd Class Mathew Pereida presented the aircraft’s multi-mission sensors through the various crew workstations.

“It was an awesome opportunity to work alongside the members of the Filipino armed forces,” said Pereida. “Sharing this aircraft’s capabilities with our allies will be mutually beneficial during future bilateral operations.”

“We really appreciate everything you do, all of you care so much and my country is truly grateful for what you do,” said 1st Lt. Mario Mendoza, a Philippine air force pilot. “Both of our nations have had a very long, great relationship and it is extremely important that we continue that relationship in the future.”

Mendoza, a designated aviator in the Philippine air force, received a four year education at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado before returning to the Philippines. He is currently attached to Clark Air Base where he works to enhance the mutual cooperation between the U.S. and Philippines.

“The close ties we have with our counterparts in the Philippine military will have a lasting impact on any future joint missions,” said Lt. Chris Duncan, CAC-8 tactical coordinator.

“We recognize the impact that our presence has in the Philippines and understand the importance in fostering our bilateral relationship,” said Lt. Justin Rogers, CAC-8’s detachment officer in charge. “Our Sailors exert a great deal of hard work and dedication, and it means a tremendous amount when we get to work side-by-side with our Philippine host nation.”

The P-8A is the most advanced long range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. A true multi-mission aircraft, it also provides superior maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. The new P-8A is part of the Navy's commitment to the Pacific rebalance; bringing latest technology to U.S. 7th Fleet to ensure the U.S. is best postured to honor its commitment to regional security and stability.

VP-45 is forward deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan and conducts regular detachments to locations around the Indo-Asia-Pacific to participate in multilateral military exercises, ensure maritime domain awareness, support humanitarian assistance operations and enhance relationships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

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