Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 participated in exercise Noble Dina, April 5.

Noble Dina is a naval exercise designed to increase maritime proficiencies among participating nations U.S., Greece and Israel, and enhance security, stability, and cooperation in the region.

Quote:

"This exercise provides invaluable experience for our crews that are participating. Noble Dina is a fantastic opportunity for our aircrew to train in a real world maritime warfare environment, and we're excited to join our allies from Greece and Israel to assist and support their maritime forces as well."

- Cmdr. Jon Spore, commanding officer of Patrol Squadron 4

"It has been an incredible learning experience working with the Hellenic and Israeli Navies. I am honored to be a part of the ever growing professional relationship between the U.S. and our Allies."

- Lt. John Coughlin, Patrol Squadron 4 Combat Aircrew 7 mission commander

Quick Facts:

One P-3C Orion aircraft from the "Skinny Dragons" of
VP-4 was assigned to participate in Noble Dina 2016 and several crews to fly anti-submarine warfare operations designed to aid the surface ships in detecting and tracking submerged forces.

VP-4 Combat Aircrew 7 flew two missions in support of Noble Dina.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) also participated in the exercise, acting as the controlling agency for Patrol Squadron Four while on-station.

Military Sealift Command fleet-replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) also participated in the exercise.

Noble Dina 2016 commenced in Souda Bay, Greece, March 31 and concluded April 14.

U.S. Navy regularly participates in scheduled training exercises to promote cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between regional partners and allies. Noble Dina participants share a common interest in maintaining a safe, secure, and prosperous region.

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.

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