Members of the Royal Australian Air Force, Canadian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force along with VP 5 and 8. Credit: US Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Hooker.

The US and partner nations have concluded the annual multi-lateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise Sea Dragon 2021.

The exercise started two weeks ago in Guam and successfully completed on 27 January.

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Sea Dragon 2021 was conducted to improve interoperability among the participating forces to better respond to regional contingencies.

It has been conducted for the third time to demonstrate its commitment in safeguarding the security of the Pacific region.

This year, members of the Royal Australian Air Force, the Canadian Air Force, the Indian Navy, and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force participated in the exercise.

The US Navy’s Commander Task Force 72 had deployed two P-8A Poseidon Maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 and 8 to train with the participating forces.

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VP-8 pilot lieutenant Joseph Moralesvargas said: “Sea Dragon 2021 has given VP-8 the chance to coordinate and be on station with other crews and other countries, which has proved invaluable.

“The opportunity to speak with other operators and hear their philosophy and insight on ASW has given me new perspective. I can’t think of any other exercise that would give us this chance.”

More than 190 personnel from the five nations performed ground and classroom training for over 250 hours.

The exercise also consisted of a tracking drill with a real-world US Navy Los Angeles-class submarine, USS Providence (SSN-719). The boat served as the enemy threat.

VP-5 pilot lieutenant Reed Arce said: “VP-5 was certainly looking forward to the opportunity to flex our ASW muscles and enjoy some friendly competition with our allied partners during Exercise Sea Dragon.

“We learned so much when comparing tactics between aircrews, and the ability to constantly improve our warfighting skills. We hope to leave Guam with all participants being at their peak performance in prosecuting sub-surface threats anywhere in the world.”