Combat Aircrews two and eight along with a maintenance team from Patrol Squadron 40 recently completed a successful detachment in support of Lungfish 05, marking the second time this deployment that the Fighting Marlins have journeyed to Australia.

Lungfish 05, a joint military exercise conducted with the Australian Navy, provided the Fighting Marlins an opportunity to demonstrate their Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) skills in a combined operations environment.

The two crews and their maintenance contingent were able to gain logistical and operational experience working out of a forward location with a close American ally. Participating units included two VP-40 aircraft and multiple submarines.

Based out of Pearce Royal Australian Air Force Base in Western Australia, VP-40 completed twelve flights consisting of ASW missions for the exercise as well as unexpected search and rescue (SAR) missions external to the exercise.

Combat Aircrew Eight (CAC-8) had been scheduled to do a surveillance flight when the detachment officer in charge received a request to aid search and rescue efforts for a man overboard in the Indian Ocean.

The crew received their updated tasking and after a five-hour transit they arrived on station. Communication was established with the Stargold Trader, the vessel that had requested assistance, and an updated search area was passed.

The crew provided assistance and airborne support for five hours before landing Cocos Island for fuel and sleep. Unfortunately, the person who went overboard was never found.

The crew was able to enjoy the next morning on Cocos island before returning to Australia. CAC-2 left Australia that same morning to continue the search and rescue efforts. While their flight was very similar to that of CAC-8, CAC-2 got to participate in “Wacky Wednesday” with the locals, which consisted of playing golf on the island’s lone airstrip.

The locals apparently have similar sporting events every other day to break the monotony of living on a tiny island.

As the crew took off and flew over the island for their return to Australia, they noticed many lawn chairs lining the runway and spotting the yards, all full in preparation for another day of easy living in a tropical paradise.

Throughout the trip, the personnel involved also had the opportunity to see what the city of Perth had to offer.

There were local zoos and wildlife parks for people who wanted to pet a kangaroo or hold a koala bear and the nightlife attractions were plentiful in the town of Fremantle, a popular destination for many U.S. Navy visitors.

Some Fighting Marlins also attended an Australian rules football game and learned the rules from the locals who were there cheering on the home team.