BUSAN, Republic of Korea – A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol craft assigned to the “Mad Foxes” of Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 will participate in a multinational maritime security exercise, beginning Apr. 30.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus) Maritime Security and Counterterrorism Exercise began with an opening ceremony aboard the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy base in Busan.
The exercise enhances cooperation between ADMM-Plus nations, promoting information sharing, interoperability and multinational response to maritime security issues.
"Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces are excited to once again participate in this multinational effort,” said Capt. Brian Erickson, commander Task Force 72. “United States Naval forces will continue to lead and support international efforts to repress piracy and other related maritime crimes with the P-8A Poseidon leading the way."
Prior to the at-sea training phase, ADMM-Plus participants will conduct training ashore. Scheduled events include visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training, subject matter expert exchanges, and a welcome reception hosted by the ROK Navy.
The at-sea phase will feature realistic training in cooperative deployment training, such as communication and maneuvering drills.
The Mad Foxes, homeported in Jacksonville, Fla., headed to Korea from a detachment based in Kadena, Japan.
U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 Sailors.