The Skinny Dragons of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 sent a P-3C Orion aircraft to participate in a static display at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, May 2-6.

The display and maritime flight proved to be valuable in continuing friendly relations with the Icelandic Coast Guard and Icelandic people.

Quote:

"This was a great opportunity to continue our work with the Icelandic Coast Guard. The maritime matters and we share a commitment with Iceland to promote peace and stability in this region." -- Capt. Brian Durkee, commander, Task Force 67

"The Icelandic Coast Guard have been excellent hosts for this visit and have gone out of their way to make sure this was a success. I look forward to when the squadron can work with them again." -- Cmdr. Christopher Smith, commanding officer, Patrol Squadron 4

Quick Facts:

Combat Aircrew (CAC) 4 also flew one maritime domain awareness mission around Iceland.

The aircrew assigned to the static display answered questions and gave tours of the aircraft to interested individuals.

Over 180 people battled the cold weather to stand in line for over an hour to tour the P-3C. Many of those participants reminisced, remembering when Orion aircraft were a permanent fixture operating out of Keflavik. Those who recalled seeing P-3s flying regularly appeared genuinely excited to have one back, even if just for a short time.

Guests also inquired about the arrival of the P-8A Poseidon, showing support for maritime awareness in the region.

The Skinny Dragons were thankful for the opportunity to participate in this event and look forward to any future operations in Iceland.

VP-4 is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security and interests in Europe.

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.

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