PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines – Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 joined Commander Task Group (CTG) 73.1 on June 30 to continue with the 2011 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series. CARAT Philippines was designed to enhance regional cooperation, promote a clear understanding between partner nations, and to help strengthen the Philippine Navy’s overall operational readiness.
“The main goal for this detachment was to share information. Through increased cooperation between U.S. and Filipino naval forces, we are better prepared to inter operate together in cases such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” said Cmdr. Kent Moore, VP-40 Executive Officer and detachment officer in charge. “We also gained trust and understanding among aircrews. This is particularly important to operate safely and effectively with the Philippine Navy.”
USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and USS Howard (DDG 83) participated in CARAT Philippines along with Philippine Naval Forces, including BRP Rizal (PS 74), BRP Pangasinan (PS 31), a Miguel Malvar-class corvette of the Philippine Navy, and a Philippine Britten-Norman Islander, a light utility aircraft.
On July 1, Combat Aircrew (CAC) 5, sailors from USS Chung-Hoon and USS Howard, and service members of the Philippine Air Force, Marines, and Navy were greeted by students and teachers of Santa Lourdes Elementary, a school comprised of 710 students and 16 teachers. Prior to arriving, VP-40 obtained over $400 of sporting equipment and school supplies, based solely on donations from the sailors, chief petty officers, and officers of VP-40, to welcome the new school year that began in May. CTG 73.1 donated basic sanitary supplies for the children to bring home to their families, as well as paint and supplies to repaint the exterior of one of the school buildings.
A sixth-grade teacher remarked this was the first time a military community service had been conducted at Santa Lourdes Elementary and that the children were very interested in the military personnel and their roles in their respective services.
July 2 consisted of a symposium at the 570th Composite Tactical Wing headquarters at Antonio Bautista Air Base. Subject matter experts discussed aircraft capabilities as well as local air traffic rules and maritime domain awareness and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“The 570th was instrumental to the success of our detachment. Their kindness and generosity made us feel welcome in a remote detachment site,” said Chief Naval Aircrewman Paul Winch.
On July 4 and 5, CAC 5 conducted flights in the Sulu Sea to demonstrate the flight characteristics and capabilities of the P-3C. Riders from the Philippine Armed Forces were provided familiarization on the various systems onboard a P-3C aircraft.
“The Philippine aircrews were very professional. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to show them some of the non-acoustic capabilities of our aircraft,” said Naval Aircrewman 2nd Class Joel Sharp, CAC 5’s non-acoustic operator.
CARAT Philippines 2011 closed with a ceremony on July 8. Moore presented Brigadier General Esteban Castro, Commanding General of the 570th Composite Tactical Wing, with a plaque in appreciation for the service and facilities provided during VP-40’s stay in Puerto Princesa.
