Patrol Squadron Five Conducts Pre-flight Inspections at Camp Lemonnier

Sailors from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet, conducted pre-flight operational checks on a Boeing P-8A Poseidon, Jan. 24. During these checks, VP-5 Sailors inspected their various mission and flight systems, communication channels and data links to ensure their capabilities.

Camp Lemonnier provides 24/7 airfield operations as part of its world-class support for service members, U.S. assets and its 38 tenant commands. Deployed P-8 squadrons, such as VP-5, use Camp Lemonnier’s airfield to provide overwatch and maritime awareness for transiting U.S. assets.

“The P-8A is the premiere maritime awareness aircraft,” said Lt. Cmdr. J.P. Gosselin, VP-5 mission commander. “It embodies the U.S. Navy’s priority of ensuring freedom of navigation. Monitoring the maritime environment is key to ensuring the free flow of commerce around the world.”

The P-8A Poseidon’s advanced capabilities – including midflight refueling -- enable the “Mad Foxes” to support a variety of lengthy missions, including reconnaissance, search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare.

The “Mad Foxes” of VP-5 are based out of Jacksonville, Florida. They rotate through different areas to support U.S. Navy priorities, including Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

Camp Lemonnier is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed to ensure security and protect U.S. interests. The installation provides world-class support for service members, transient U.S. assets and 38 local tenant commands.

(U.S. Navy Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Thomas)