NAVAL AIR STATION SINGONELLA, Sicily –
Sailors assigned to the “Lady Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 had the opportunity to demonstrate their operational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities to Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, May 1, 2018. Franchetti’s visit to VP-10 came just weeks after the United States, United Kingdom, and France launched coordinated strikes on chemical installations in Syria. Her visit with VP-10 was to better understand the internal crew dynamics and capabilities of the P-8A Poseidon, the most dynamic ASW platform in theater.
“This was an informative opportunity for Vice Adm. Franchetti to personally witness the professionalism, maturity, and technical aptitude of our combat aircrews on station,” said Cmdr. Michael Albus, commanding officer of VP-10. “In an environment where operations require careful decision making, our leadership is now poised to optimize our wide range of capabilities.”
In order to enhance her understanding of crew dynamics and P-8A ASW capabilities, Franchetti spent the day flying on an ASW training flight with combat aircrew (CAC) 6. CAC-6 utilized an expendable mobile ASW training target (EMATT) to demonstrate the robust ASW capabilities of the P-8A, as well as the crew cohesion required to track a submersible target. After launching the EMATT, the crew localized, tracked, and conducted simulated attacks on the training target.
“It was such a great opportunity to be able to demonstrate the ASW capabilities of the P-8 to the fleet commander,” said Lt. Jaime Caldwell, an instructor tactical coordinator on the flight, “It was also personally inspiring to meet Vice Adm. Franchetti; it is not often you get to meet and talk with other military women in such high positions of leadership.”
The VP-10 Red Lancers are deployed to the U.S. 6th fleet area of operations at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Siciliy, under Task Force 67.