U.S. Navy Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) Successfully Conducts Coordinated Missile Launch with Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) during RIMPAC 2022
The U.S. Navy Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting a coordinated missile launch with Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) using two Air-to-Surface Missiles (AGM-84) Harpoons against a decommissioned Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, the USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 exercise. Preparation for this event involved the dedicated efforts of the maintenance teams from both VP-10 and VP-4 to ensure the Harpoons were safely loaded onto the aircraft, mission timeline coordination, and missile launch.
Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) is a United States Navy Patrol Squadron based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron is known as the “Red Lancers” and is equipped with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft. VP-10 is the third squadron to be designated VP-10, with the first VP-10 being redesignated VP-2D15 on September 21, 1927, and the second VP-10 being redesignated VP-25 on July 1, 1939. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct maritime patrol and reconnaissance, as well as other operational operations within U.S. Seventh Fleet area of operations.
Members of Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) maintenance team prepared to launch a P-8A Poseidon aircraft equipped with an Air-to-Surface Missile (AGM-84) Harpoon during a live-fire event during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. (Photo by Lt. Jason Clark/Patrol Squadron (VP) 10)
The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security). The missile can be launched from fixed-wing aircraft and is equipped with various types of warheads, including the AGM-84 (without the solid-fueled rocket booster), the RGM-84 (fitted with a solid-fueled rocket booster to extend its range when needed), and the UGM-84 (fitted with a solid-fueled rocket booster and encapsulated in a canister for underwater launch).
RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, involving 26 nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel. Running from June 29 to August 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, it provides a unique opportunity for training, fostering cooperation, and sustaining cooperative relationships among participating navies. RIMPAC 2022 marks the 28th iteration of the exercise, which began in 1971.
Members of Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) Aviation Ordnancemen (AO) team pose for a photograph after a successful air-to-surface missile launch with an Air-to-Surface Missile (AGM-84) Harpoon during a live-fire event during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. (Photo by Lt. Jason Clark/Patrol Squadron (VP) 10)
In conclusion, the successful coordinated missile launch by VP-10 and VP-4 during RIMPAC 2022 demonstrates the readiness and capability of these squadrons to carry out critical maritime missions. The professionalism and dedication of the maintenance teams from both squadrons ensured the safety and precision of the missile launches. These exercises contribute to enhancing the maritime security and operational effectiveness of the U.S. Navy and its partner nations in the Pacific region.