A P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the "Pelicans" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 conducted a training exercise above and below the waters of the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 17, with a MK39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target (EMATT).

This training provided improved abilities to support NATO allies and regional partners. The launch provided valuable training opportunities for eight crew members aboard the P-8A Poseidon targeting training as a means to stay proficient in anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

Quotes:

"While forward deployed, a VP squadron must continuously exercise all of the mission sets they could be called upon to execute, all the while training the next generation of operators."

"Today's training event was success on a multitude of fronts -- as a crew they honed their combined execution of tactical plans of action in the tracking a simulated submarine, and individually each crew station was training their relief."

"The P-8A continues the legacy of maritime patrol aviation, and has seamlessly integrated into the 6th Fleet area of responsibility because of the open architecture of the mission systems and the drive and dedication of the Sailors that maintain and operate the weapons systems." - Cmdr. Jason Williamson, commander, Patrol Squadron 45

"Sometimes it can be very difficult to locate and track an EMATT or a real-time submarine because of environmental conditions."

"We have to be knowledgeable in oceanography and factors that can affect ranges. The environmental conditions such as sea-surface temperatures, sound clear of depth below their gradients affect our capabilities as sensors operators. Some days we can be spot on, and some days it's extremely challenging." - Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Lovett, acoustics operator

Quick Facts:

Lt. Cmdr. Scott Hudson, tactical coordinator instructor, helped administer simulated scenarios for mission crew workstations to stay proficient in anti-submarine warfare.

The P-8A Poseidon deployed a MK39 EMATT as a training tool to maintain proficiency for the crew members.

Sailors aboard the P-8A Poseidon located and tracked the EMATT using electronic warfare operators and acoustic operators.

The P-8A Poseidon mission crew workstations allow better visual communication and direct coordination with each other compared to the P-3C Orion.

The MK39 EMATT replicates the sounds and movement of a submarine while it automatically maneuvers, responding to sonar echoes.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.