VP-10 Joins Forces in Royal Australian Navy’s Epic International Exercise Kakadu

The 2024 Kakadu exercise, the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) principal international engagement activity, has successfully concluded. The biennial event enhances interoperability among nations in maritime and air domains, offering vital training for maritime security and surveillance.

LT Troy Kinder, aircraft commander of VP-10, expressed immense satisfaction from participation. “It was incredibly rewarding to be a part of Kakadu 2024 and witness the partnership, friendship, and multilateral interoperability that the Kakadu exercise continues to build upon with each iteration,” said Kinder.

VP-10’s P-8A Poseidon crew highlighted the essential role of maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) in supporting maritime operations during the exercise. The Red Lancers collaborated with counterparts from the Indian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in Combined Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise events. These activities underscored the importance of interoperability in a dynamic training environment.

Further, they worked alongside RAAF tactical fighter aircraft and participating surface forces in a complex Air Defense Exercise, which aimed to improve coordination in anti-surface warfare. Concurrently, military leaders from over 30 countries attended a commanders’ conference, underscoring the exercise’s theme of regional cooperation through trusted relationships.

In total, more than 3,000 military personnel converged on the Darwin area for Kakadu. Participants enjoyed a sports day for friendly competition and an evening of international cultural exchange featuring diverse performances. “I can confidently speak for the entire VP-10 detachment in saying that we truly enjoyed the uniqueness and hospitality that Kakadu 2024 and Darwin had to offer,” added Kinder.

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, the VP-10 “Red Lancers” are currently on a rotational deployment, operating from multiple locations including Misawa Air Base in Japan. Their mission involves maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and theater outreach operations, supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet and Indo-Pacific Command objectives across the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely engages with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.