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CTF-57 Continuing the Mission to Support Operation Iraqi Freedom

Navy Newstand

Story Number: NNS030422-16
Release Date: 4/22/2003 6:10:00 PM

By Commander, Task Force 57 Public Affairs

BAHRAIN (NNS) -- As forces have begun to see a reduced pace in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the missions have become less in volume and hours, but nonetheless intense.

As the Navy P-3 Orions from Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, assigned to Task Force 57 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, continue their patrols and prosecute potential targets in the Iraqi theater, their aircrews are attentive to threats and safety while continuing their support of ground troops in Iraq.

The mission of the P-3 has evolved even further inland during this conflict, and has continued to make the Orion the "asset of choice" for real time imagery that Marine units need for success on the battlefield.

The ability to be on the scene for extended periods has proven an invaluable resource for units on the ground. As new targets or potential targets would emerge, the P-3 had the capability and on station time, to be on the scene when the commanders needed them, not the next day. Once there, the P-3 provides a mix of imagery to include high resolution infrared images which provide the "big picture" to those on the ground.

Known as an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance mission, the P-3 has proven to be the platform of choice in more than one instance. Marine and special warfare officers riding aboard would assist in communicating between ground units and operators in the air. The enemy's chances of moving on the ground without friendly forces knowing it was greatly reduced.

The P-3 Orion also has brought the option of land attack weaponry to the fight, as well. For the first time, the P-3 was armed with Standard Land Attack Missiles for use against targets. Add to this the Maverick Missiles, which had been previously placed into service on the P-3 Orion, and the weapons mix becomes even more lethal for enemies on the ground.

Mission accomplishment and safety are still the focal points of operations. As Cmdr. Ed Campbell, executive officer of VP-46, said about a recent flight, "The threats are still real."

It is as important as ever for aircrews to remain vigilant. Aircrews are as attentive as they were on the first day of the war, to look for possible threats from pockets of resistance on the ground. Safety of flight is paramount in continuing operations, even while the situation on the ground transitions.

As U.S. forces begin to redeploy and return home, the Orion's missions will continue in theater. The P-3 continues to move forward and evolve as a package, giving the operational commander flexibility and options for both target identification and neutralizing threats to ground forces.

"The air and ground crews that have kept our aircraft in the air around the clock during OIF are to be congratulated," Capt. Fred Smith, commodore of CTF-57, said. "The CTF-57 assets in the P-3 and EP-3 communities continue to write the book on the transforming mission of the aircraft. We are showing real capabilities over both sea and land that are essential in today's warfighting environment."