Combat Aircrew (CAC) 3 of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 departed Sri Lanka July 1; wrapping up the five-day joint exercise, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka 2021. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force (SLN and SLAF), the multilateral naval exercise included participants from Japan, Sri Lanka, and the United States, and allowed the partnered forces to train together and continue to build on growing relationships.
The Red Lancer team conducted mission planning and training with the SLN and SLAF; moreover, they were able to discuss the future execution of the P-8A Poseidon mission in the region. Part of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, VP-10’s Sailors executed their missions with extreme precision, navigating complex COVID-19 mitigations and restrictions that were coordinated with Sri Lankan personnel.
“We revel in the opportunity to conduct CARAT exercises with Sri Lanka and Japan, and ensuring we are all professional partners capable of contributing as net security providers to a free and open region,” said Lt. Beau Bayless, Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) patrol plane commander.
“The ability to work hand-in-hand with our hosts during a difficult time showcases the adaptability of our team and the strong ties beween our nations,” said Lt. Blake Benjamin, Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) detachment officer-in-charge.
On the 29th of June, CAC-3 finished CARAT operations, culminating with a tracking exercise aimed at increasing both navies’ understanding of tracking and pursuing targets utilizing surface ships and aircraft. Now in its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) is a United States Navy Patrol Squadron based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. It is nicknamed the “Red Lancers” and is equipped with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon. It is the third squadron to be designated VP-10. The first VP-10 was redesignated VP-2D15 on 21 September 1927 and the second VP-10 was redesignated VP-25 on 1 July 1939.
