The "Skinny Dragons" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 are conducting 2016 deployment operations after performing upgrades and completing personnel qualifications, resulting in 12 combat-ready aircrews and an adept maintenance department prepared for the squadron's multi-site deployment.

This deployment consists of visiting past deployment sites of Sigonella, Sicily and Djibouti, Africa. Additionally, the squadron detached multiple crews to Comalapa, El Salvador to conduct maritime interdiction operations (MIO) in support of Operation Martillo.

"Our crews and maintainers have worked hard and prepared diligently for this deployment," said Officer in Charge Lt. Cmdr. John Houston. "They are truly excited to hit the ground running."

VP-4's El Salvador detachment consists of three combat aircrews and nearly 40 maintenance personnel working at Cooperative Security Location (CSL) Comalapa. The assets stationed at CSL Comalapa are a small piece of a larger operation led by Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South to detect and deter drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific and Western Caribbean.

For 20 years, JIATF-South has been instrumental in combatting the threat of "narcoterrorism" in the region. The task force consists of the Department of Defense, FBI, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol working cohesively to provide widespread coverage on land and at sea using various assets. Since 2003, maritime patrol squadrons have deployed aircrews flying the P-3C Orion in support of JIATF-South.

"This is the third time I've had the opportunity to be involved in the JIATF-South/4th Fleet mission," said Houston. "If this is anything like the past, I look forward to an immensely rewarding experience, and so far the aircrews have been immensely successful in their missions."

The capabilities of the P-3C make it an outstanding platform for MIO. Its sensor capabilities and extended ranges allow it to cover wide swaths of the ocean, identifying surface ships and suspicious activities at various altitudes. Accurate identification and plotting of surface shipping traffic allows Orion crews to vector Coast Guard assets into position to conduct boarding operations and seizures.

Mission Commander Lt. j.g. Sarah Freshwater shared her perspective on how well the P-3C works in coordination with other military air assets supporting JIATF-S.

"This unique mission set provides our crews with opportunities to work hand-in-hand with multiple platforms all focused on suppressing drug operations in [U.S. Southern Command]," said Freshwater.

So far into deployment VP-4, in conjunction with surface units including Navy warships and Coast Guard cutters with deployed law enforcement detachments, are credited with drug busts totaling over 11,900 kg. of cocaine worth more than $230 million and detaining 29 suspected smugglers.

The P-3C Orion's mission in El Salvador is a far cry from the submarine hunting skill set for which the aircraft is known. However, the versatility of the platform's capabilities and the skill of the aircrew make it a perfect fit for JIATF-South's mission.

As summer continues on, the squadron is continuously working to refine its mission and become even more proficient in countering the efforts of drug traffickers in the region.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

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