The “Gray Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 together with Cell Tactical Operations Heart (MTOC) 2 and MTOC 6 arrived on-station for a commonly scheduled deployment within the U.S. fifth and sixth Fleet Areas of Accountability. Patrol Squadron 46 (VP-46), also referred to as the “Gray Knights”, is a maritime patrol squadron of america Navy based mostly at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Starting in April, Fight Aircrews and assist personnel assigned to VP-46 arrived in strategic areas in each fifth and sixth Fleet AORs in assist of Maritime Safety Operations.

“After months of preparation and planning it’s lastly our time to alleviate our brothers and sisters and present the CTF how the Gray Knights can take any process thrown at them,” mentioned Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Sanders, Operations Officer for VP-46, “These subsequent few months shall be difficult however that’s what we practice for and that’s what makes us the ‘Oldest and the Greatest”.

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A P-8A Poseidon plane assigned to the “Gray Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 takes off from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island on its method to a commonly scheduled deployment to the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Accountability, April 1, 2022. (U.S. Navy picture by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Austin Ingram/ Launched)

Throughout their tenure in theatre, the Gray Knights will assist Commander, Activity Power (CTF) 57 and 67 and make the most of the P-8A Poseidon plane to conduct varied anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Acknowledge (ISR) missions, in addition to different strategic tasking supporting our nationwide pursuits. Whereas on deployment, VP-46 will function with U.S. allied and host nation companions, ever furthering the information of professions and the relationships U.S. share.

A part of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Ten, VP-46 is the oldest maritime patrol squadron and the second oldest plane squadron in your complete U.S. Navy, second solely behind VFA-14. The squadron was initially established as Patrol Squadron 5-S (VP-5S) on 1 July 1931. In April 2019, VP-46 return to dwelling from its closing deployment with the P-3C and start the transition to the P-8 A Poseidon. VP-46 is a P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime plane squadron that conducts anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian response.

US Navy Patrol Squadron 46 (VP-46) Arrives on Station in the US 5th and 6th Fleet
Aviation Electrician’s Mate third Class Alexander Rubio prepares to launch a P-8A Poseidon plane assigned to the “Gray Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, on its method to a commonly scheduled deployment to the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Accountability, April 1, 2022. (U.S. Navy picture by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Austin Ingram/ Launched)