VP-16 Hosts Brunei Distinguished Visitors

11 July 2023

From Lt. Robert Cale, Patrol Squadron (VP) 16

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei - By invitation of the government of Brunei, 23 U.S. Navy personnel attached to the “War Eagles” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 hosted distinguished visitors (DV) on a P-8A Poseidon flight out of Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) Base in Rimba, June 27.

Download

230627-N-IS471-0002 ROYAL BRUNEI AIR FORCE BASE, RIMBA, Brunei (June 27, 2023) Members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 pose for a photo in front of a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah the Crown Prince, and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (center), Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim (5th 5th from left), Cmdr. Patrick J. Reilly (4th 4th from right), VP-16 executive officer, and U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Caryn R. McClelland, June 27. The “War Eagles” of VP-16 hosted the delegation, demonstrating the wide-ranging capabilities of the aircraft, as well as flying through Brunei Darussalam’s exclusive economic zone. VP-16 conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (Photo Courtesy of Brunei Ministry of Defense)

VP-16 Hosts Brunei Distinguised Visitors

Download Image

Image Details

Photo By: Petty Officer 1st Class Glenn Slaughter

VIRIN: 230627-N-IS471-1002

“Brunei and the U.S. have a shared interest in regional security and stability,” said Cmdr. Patrick Reilly, VP-16 executive officer. “The purpose of this detachment was to promote maritime security while confirming the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The War Eagles were joined by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah the Crown Prince, and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Also attending the flight with the Crown Prince was Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, Acting Deputy Commander Colonel Hishamuddin bin Abidin, and U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn R. McClelland.

230627-N-IS471-0001 ROYAL BRUNEI AIR FORCE BASE, RIMBA, Brunei (June 27, 2023) Cmdr. Patrick J. Reilly (right) executive officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 16, speaks with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah the Crown Prince, and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (center), and U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Caryn R. McClelland during a flight aboard a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon, June 27. The “War Eagles” of VP-16 hosted the delegation, demonstrating the wide-ranging capabilities of the aircraft, as well as flying through Brunei Darussalam’s exclusive economic zone. VP-16 conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (Photo Courtesy of Brunei Ministry of Defense)

During the flight, the DVs observed the capabilities of the P-8A aircraft and patrolled Brunei’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. VP-16 conducted additional flights with members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

“We were delighted to host the visit of VP-16,” said Ambassador McClelland. “The U.S. demonstrated its commitment to partnering with Brunei to enhance maritime domain awareness and security cooperation in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

In addition to the flights, the War Eagles participated in sporting events with RBAirF personnel from 15 Squadron, No. 1 Wing and 55 Squadron, No. 5. Wing. The two nations also organized games of “Capture the Flag” and VP-16 was introduced to the traditional Malay game “Kaki Tiga”.

230623-N-IS471-0004 BERAKAS, Brunei (June 23, 2023) Members of the Royal Brunei Air Force and Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 compete during a cultural exchange sporting event, June 23. During the visit, the squadron hosted distinguished visitors from Brunei aboard their P-8A Poseidon, demonstrating the wide-ranging capabilities of the aircraft, as well as flying through Brunei Darussalam’s exclusive economic zone. VP-16 conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (Photo Courtesy of Brunei Ministry of Defense)

Afterwards, the squadrons conducted subject matter expert exchanges to trade knowledge and experience in aviation and operations in the South China Sea.

230623-N-IS471-0003 BERAKAS, Brunei (June 23, 2023) Members of the Royal Brunei Air Force and Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 pose for a photo as Cmdr. Patrick Reilly, VP-16 executive officer, holds a plaque of appreciation during a cultural exchange sporting event, June 23. During the visit, the squadron hosted distinguished visitors from Brunei aboard their P-8A Poseidon, demonstrating the wide-ranging capabilities of the aircraft, as well as flying through Brunei Darussalam’s exclusive economic zone. VP-16 conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (Photo Courtesy of Brunei Ministry of Defense)

The VP-16 “War Eagles” are based in Jacksonville, Florida, and are currently forward deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The squadron conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.