The P-8A detachment from the Tigers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, operating under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, took part in the amphibious landing drill of the exercise the day before, gathering data during a support mission aimed at enhancing ground forces’ situational awareness.
“The P-8A is an impressive platform that offers significant capabilities for nearly any operation,” stated Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Task Force 70 and the U.S. joint forces in Tiger Triumph.
“In just 48 hours, our VP-8 crew, collaborating with our strategic partners in India who also operate the P-8I, successfully supported two distinct missions across different complex environments, thereby improving the outcomes of both.
The presence of the Poseidon at Tiger Triumph underscores the importance of interoperability, enhances the quality of our joint training, and better equips the U.S.-India combined team for success in future scenarios.”
The anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training involved deploying a dummy submarine in the Bay of Bengal, with U.S. and Indian aircraft tracking its movements and transmitting that information to supporting forces. “VP-8 contributes a wealth of specialized experience and operational effectiveness,” remarked Lt. Joe Maldonado, CTF 72 liaison to the exercise command staff. “
This exercise provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that expertise, learn from our Indian Navy counterparts, and engage in detailed planning and execution as a joint combined force.”
Before participating in the amphibious landing event, the crew visited students in science and technology at the Vellore Institute of Technology in Tamil Nadu, India, to discuss career opportunities in research and development, as well as the science behind their aircraft and its potential role in collaborative operations with the Indian Navy.
