JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – VP-16′s 300 sailors spent six months throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific command area of responsibility. They provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in Japan, the Philippines, Guam, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
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The “War Eagles” of Patrol Squadron VP-16 arrived at NAS JAX Wednesday afternoon. In total, VP-16 safely flew over 3,300 hours and executed 600 sorties, provided humanitarian assistance and participated in joint and combined exercises with allies and partners across the region.
VP-16′s indispensable Maintenance Department played a pivotal role in the squadron’s success, ensuring nine P-8A Poseidon aircraft remained in a mission-capable status throughout the arduous deployment.
READ: Patrol Squadron VP-16 history
The “War Eagles” efforts ensured continued maritime stability, improved regional cooperation, deterred aggression and contributed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“I could not be prouder of the way our War Eagle team performed over the last six months. Each and every War Eagle was crucial to our success and I want to thank them for their sacrifice, perseverance, determination, and hard work during this demanding deployment. It is a great feeling to see our families and loved ones after being gone for so long, and I am happy to have all of our War Eagles home,” said VP-16 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Terrell Radford.