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News | Nov. 27, 2017

U.S. Navy P-8s search for missing Argentine submarine

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Morton

Bahia Blanca, ARGENTINA (Nov. 23, 2017) – A detachment of Sailors from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 11, have been conducting began conducting sea search and rescue operations off the coast of Argentine, since Nov. 19, 2017.

The detachment, made up of Sailors from the ‘Mad Foxes’ of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, the ‘Red Lancers’ of VP-10, the ‘Pelicans’ of VP-45, the ‘Tridents’ of VP-26 and the CPRW-11 Tactical Operations Center, is utilizing two P-8A Poseidon aircraft to assist the Argentine military in the search for the Argentine submarine, ARA San Juan.

“This detachment is made up of assets and personnel from multiple squadrons and multiple geographical locations,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Ingram, officer-in- charge of the detachment. “From day one we have been working very closely with Argentine leadership to get our assets where they need to be to best maximize the results of this search and rescue operation.”

Aircrews are using radar, infrared cameras and sonobouys, as well as a wide range of other sensors on board the aircraft, and are coordinating with other sea and air assets from multiple militaries in an attempt to locate the missing submarine.

“Our air crews have been operating the P-8A and its wide array of sensors on station nearly around the clock,” said Ingram. “During this time, they have been coordinating with other U.S. assets as well as other foreign militaries including the United Kingdom, Brazil and Chile.”

San Juan and its crew of 44 disappeared Nov. 15, 267 miles off the coast of Argentina while en route to its homeport at Mar del Plata.

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