Relationship-Building Mission Presents Learning Opportunities

Distinguished visitors from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam visited the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 for a tour of a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft Apr. 13.

The six high ranking military officers and a civilian representative visited the squadron to receive a tour of a P-3C aircraft and to better understand the mission and capabilities of the long range anti-submarine aircraft.

"There was a language barrier at first, but we quickly got past that," said Naval Aircrewman (Acoustic) 2nd class Tyler Willsey, a Sailor with VP-47. "After the tour, they had a better understanding of how the plane operated and what we do as naval aircrewman."

Not only was this a learning experience for both sides, it was also a relationship building mission.

"It is an ongoing mission for our community, whether we are home or abroad, to build lasting ties with our partner nations," said Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Lyon, the operation officer for VP-47. "The visit went very well and the aircrew did a fine job presenting our aircraft to the visiting officers."

Upon their departure, the visitors extended their gratitude to VP-47 Sailors and expressed hopes that a P-3C could make a future visit to Vietnam in order to foster ties between the two countries.

VP-47 is currently underway with their fleet response training program, conducting exercises and maintenance to maximize operational performance and efficiency.

(Source: US Navy news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.navy.mil/local/VP47