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US 6th Fleet Commander Visits Patrol Squadron 9

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS140418-15
Release Date: 4/18/2014 10:49:00 AM

From Patrol Squadron 9 Public Affairs

SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. 6th Fleet was welcomed aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella during a recent trip to Sicily, April 17.

In addition to a tour of base facilities, Vice Adm. Phil Davidson met with the leadership of Task Force 67 and the 'Golden Eagles,' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9. CTF 67 is responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa areas of operations.

Davidson conducted an all-hands call to speak with personnel from VP-9, as well as Sailors from CTF 67, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Depot (AIMD) Sigonella and Mobile Tactical Operations Center 7. He commended the group on their outstanding record of mission accomplishment while speaking on the importance of their deployment to the Mediterranean.

'I could not be more pleased with the performance of the entire CTF 67, VP-9, and AIMD Sigonella team,' said Davidson. 'The Golden Eagles' operations in two theaters - AFRICOM and EUCOM - plays a key role assuring our allies and maintaining security and stability in this part of the globe. We are incredibly fortunate in the United States to have Sailors like you at the tip of the spear.'

Both aircrew and maintainers appreciated an opportunity to showcase their platform and their professional knowledge. Davidson and his staff visited the squadron's spaces and received a tour of a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. The group also received hands-on anti-submarine warfare simulator training in the PACT-3 trainer.

'I think it's great that Vice Adm. Davidson and his staff took the time to visit with the squadron and address the current issues affecting us in this area of operations,' said Lt. j.g. Eugene Soto. 'To have the commander of 6th Fleet come out and visit us is something special.'

VP-9 is assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The squadron consists of 71 officers and 276 enlisted personnel who maintain and operate eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

VP-9 is currently on a scheduled deployment to the 6th Fleet area of operations supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.