von The 32th Korea‑U.S. Maritime Patrol Aircraft Committee Meeting (MPACM) took place at the S. Korean Naval Air Wing Six from May 30 to June 1 to improve ROK‑U.S. joint air operations capabilities.
The MPACM is a meeting held twice a year that rotates between being hosted on the South Korean Navy’s Air Wing Six base and the U.S. Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Seventh Fleet (CTF-72).
These meetings have been going on for the last 17 years since CTF-72 proposed to hold when the Korean Navy had introduced the P‑3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft in 1955.
The two navies discussed in depth the joint topic “effective antisubmarine detection methods in consideration of maritime environment.”
Following the joint discussion, both sides had a heated discussion on a “plan for ROK‑U.S. joint maritime patrol aircraft operations’ and on a ‘maritime patrol aircraft crew training system,’ respectively.
In addition, both naval forces agreed to create opportunities for continued MPACM meetings as well as operational opportunities through an in-depth exchange of opinions together so they can continue to enhance the bilateral cooperation.
“These meetings were a very meaningful opportunity to seek ways to strengthen substantial and timely ROK‑U.S. joint maritime air operations capabilities,” said Brig. Gen. Shim Jae-ok, commander of the Air Wing Six. “And, in particular, it [the meeting] greatly helped us to improve a military friendly cooperation between the two Navies as well as to share air antisubmarine warfare skills with each other.”
Source:
Ministry of National Defense[MND], Republic of Korea
