The Fighting Marlins of Patrol Squadron Forty (VP-40) have been busy travelers during their ongoing Pacific deployment.

Establishing VP-40 as a constant presence in the ongoing CARAT exercise series, members of Combat Aircrew One and a select maintenance crew flew a P-3 to Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore. Under the direction of detachment Officer-in-Charge Lt. Cmdr. Andy Hess, Mission Commander Lt. Kevin Johnston and Plane Commander Lt. Dennis Jensen, the crew embarked upon their mission of goodwill and good training.

The detachment began with a briefing at the Singapore Fleet Command Building. All players involved in the international exercise were present. In all, more than eight surface ships, several Sing submarines, a U.S. Navy helicopter detachment, Sing fighters and patrol aircraft and the mighty P-3 Orion from VP-40 were present at the meetings. The nuts and bolts of the next week were discussed as counterpart Commanding Officers traded tactics and ideas. The role of the P-3 during the exercise was also thoroughly outlined.

As the ships shoved off to sea and headed toward the area of the exercise, the Fighting Marlins had some time to enjoy some liberty in the beautiful city of Singapore. Everyone agreed the people were very welcoming and hospitable. With such an optimum location and economy for world trade, Singapore enjoys the fusion of many cultures, languages and customs.

Because of its proximity to the equator, Singapore is also a welcome environment for some rather exotic animals. At one point or another, almost everyone made their way to the world-famous Singapore Zoo.

Continuing in their hospitality, members of the Republic of Singapore Air Force Squadron 121 invited the crew to a Maritime Patrol Aircraft Symposium in their squadron spaces. Crewmembers were able to share more specifics on their techniques and roles in the aircraft. After much discussion, it became clear aviators are rather similar all over the world.

Plane Commander Lt. Dennis Jensen extended his ambassador duties and gratefully accepted an invitation to ride as an observer in the Singapore Air Force Fokker F50.

The Fighting Marlins of Combat Aircrew One returned the favor later in the exercise and were able to take two Sing Officers on a P-3 mission. Both visitors were impressed with the size and capability of the mighty Orion as the crew supported the nighttime surface interdiction mission of the war games below.

Members of Combat Aircrew One and the accompanying maintenance detachment did an excellent job on this very important mission, extending the goodwill of our country while strengthening the relationship with yet another foreign Navy and military.