VP-46 welcomed five Japanese P-3C aircraft to NAS Whidbey Island on Wednesday, June 22, to begin the annual hosting by a patrol squadron of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Detachment 40.

JMSDF DET 40 visited NAS Whidbey Island from June 22 to 29 to “...Enhance military interoperability between the JMSDF and U.S. Navy,” according to Lt. Cmdr. Jim Robinson, operations officer at VP-46. The detachment was composed of 102 personnel, including both aircrew and maintainers from various P-3C squadrons throughout Japan.

The visit constitutes an exercise that continues a long-term partnership of maritime excellence between the two nations. This year’s visit included several bilateral Anti-Submarine Warfare events involving multiple P-3s coordinating on station operations.

Leading the JMSDF Detachment is Capt. Satoru Kondoh, currently Commanding Officer of Air Patrol Squadron 3 (VP-3) out of Atsugi, Japan. He was born in metropolitan Tokyo and educated at the National Defense Academy JMSDF Staff College.

In 1979, he was commissioned as an Ensign beginning his military aviation career to include assignment to over five different Japanese squadrons and divisions.  As head of VP-3, Kondoh was specially chosen to command this particular detachment to the United States.

The five-day visit by the JMSDF to the Pacific Northwest had a full schedule of military and social activities. In addition to conducting several joint ASW exercise flights, the detachment was able to enjoy a golf outing and a VP-46 hosted farewell picnic.  Besides furnishing the opportunity for joint training with the Navy, the JMSDF squadron provided an appreciation banquet to the Grey Knights and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 held at the Officers’ and Chief Petty Officers’ Clubs at the Naval Air Station.

Upon leaving Whidbey Island, the JMSDF will spend a month conducting similar exercises with Navy patrol squadrons stationed in Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. At the conclusion of their stay with VP-46 and PATRECONWING 10, members of VP DET 40 had received valuable training in both military exercises and international relations. The detachment’s enthusiastic participation in this bilateral training not only broke cultural barriers, but also continued to enhance the already strong ties between Japan and the United States.

“The exercise was an overall success that provided both VP-46 and the JMSDF a unique opportunity to train together and make new friends,” said Skipper Cmdr. Ray Keledei.