DVIDS – News – VP-10 “Red Lancers” Hosts Elimination Flight with Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Distinguished Visitors from the Philippines

AIR BASE CLARK, Philippines (September 15, 2021) – Former boxing champion Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao had a front row seat to the maritime capabilities of the US Navy P-8A Poseidon on a recent flight.
Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 Combat Crew (CAC) 7 hosted Pacquiao, Supreme Court Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Director Kelia Cummings of the Office of International Narcotics Affairs and Enforcement law.
The Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) mission highlighted the capabilities of the P-8A and the importance of its presence in the Philippines. Each member of the CAC-7 has demonstrated in-depth knowledge of their systems; explaining the capabilities of sensors and planes as VIPs descended from the multi-faceted plane.
Naval Aircrewman (Operator) (AWO) Petty Officer 2nd Class Camden Baye and AWO3 Jacob Fisher explained how the APY-10 radar and Automatic Identification System (AIS) are used to quickly identify and establish a working image of countless ships operating in the vast oceans.
CAC-7 Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) Lt. Jacob Jepsen spoke to the VIPs, sharing similarities with a Filipino himself.
“It was an honor to spend time with such accomplished guests,” said Jepsen. “What a breathtaking opportunity we had to demonstrate what we are able to offer those I expected growing up. “
AWO1 Zachary Haney and AWO3 Cruz Castro exploited the imaging capabilities of the electro-optical / infrared (EO / IR) camera system and explained the DIFAR (Directional Frequency Analysis and Ranging) soundbuoys and the advantage to obtain acoustic signals.
“It has been a privilege to share what the US Navy Patrol and Reconnaissance Force does daily with our distinguished visitors,” said LCDR Michael Ramirez, Officer in Charge of Detachment VP-10 (OIC). “Opportunities like this demonstrate the importance of the MDA mission in the Western Philippine Sea, but more importantly, the promotion of our continued partnership with the Philippines.”
The P-8A was the undisputed champion of the day, its crew effectively demonstrating the capabilities of the aircraft’s maritime sensors to Senator Pacquiao and his guests.
VP-10, based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, currently operates out of Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts maritime patrols and reconnaissance as well as theater outreach operations as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of ​​operations. Article by Lieutenant jg Jane Moon.