MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- The Navy routinely sends air squadrons on deployment to Japan, so when Patrol Squadron Detachment 38, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, deployed to MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Patrol Squadron 47 jumped at the chance to host its brothers in air for May 24 - July 16.
The Japanese squadron, based out of Hachinohe, Japan, deployed 105 people and five P-3Cs for joint exercise, ally training with the Golden Swordsmen of VP-47 during the monthlong deployment. The squadron was here last year during the Rim of the Pacific exercises, but it normally only deploys to MCB Hawaii once every three years.
"All five P-3s flew in together, at the same time that morning," said Lt. j.g. Timothy Helsey, command-managed equal opportunity officer, VP-47, "which is actually quite unusual to see. We usually only send out one or two planes a day for a deployment."
While in Hawaii, VP Detachment 38 flew several training exercises, including pilot training missions flying U.S. airways, several torpedo exercises and three tracking exercises off the coast of Hawaii.
The detachment also trained at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., without VP-47, June 16 for two weeks.
During their initial pilot training flights, pilots from VP-47 rode aboard VP Detachment 38's aircraft to assist in communication with air traffic controllers and become familiar with U.S. airways.
"We do deployments to Japan and fly with them also, so their deployment here make the operations even more efficient in a joint environment," said Lt. j.g. Drew Peters, the assistant public affairs officer for VP-47. "It gives us a chance to learn how they operate and vice versa, so that we all operate proficiently."
During training, VP Detachment 38 also toured the Fleet Command Center Joint Intelligence Center and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center aboard Pearl Harbor. The detachment also flew to other islands, including Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
Once training was complete and VP Detachment 38 was prepared to depart, the unit hosted a farewell party for VP-47 at the Officers' Club July 14. The commanding officer of VP Detachment 38, Capt. Ito Kenichi, thanked the wing and squadron for hosting and flying with them.
After remarks, Kenichi and Cmdr. Jay Lisenby, commanding officer of VP-47, kicked off their joint celebrations with a saki ceremony. They broke into two saki kettles with ceremonial mallets.
"The party was relaxed, everyone had a chance to mingle and talk, and enjoy the mix of cuisines," said Lt. Christopher E. Smith, assistant command services officer. "I think the squadron enjoyed themselves a lot. The deployment was opportunity for us to host them and return the favor to Japan."
After celebrating, VP Detachment 38 packed up its belongings and prepared to take flight July 16.
"They started their engines at exactly the same time and flew off the flightline in a line," said Helsey. "It was similar to the Blue Angels [the U.S. Army's premier aerial demonstration team], only slower."
Marine Corps Base Hawaii will not see the Japanese squadron's unique skills again until RIMPAC 2004.