Two US Navy MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems have wrapped up the service’s first deployment to Japan with the UAS, returning to their forward-deployed homeport in Guam.
Operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), the Tritons departed from Naval Air Facility Misawa on October 12 and returned to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam upon completing the first rotational deployment.
The deployment of VUP-19 and their two MQ-4C Triton to Japan helped to develop the concept of operations, including expeditionary basing, and fleet learning associated with high-altitude, long-endurance systems operations in the maritime domain.
The two MQ-4C Tritons will continue to operate from their forward deployed location at Andersen Air Force Base to provide maritime surveillance and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to the US 7th Fleet.
The Tritons are operating out of Guam after arriving there for their initial deployment in the Pacific theater.
The deployment is part of an early operational capability (EOC) to further develop the concept of operations and fleet learning associated with operating a high-altitude, long-endurance system in the maritime domain.
The MQ-4C Triton’s persistence and capabilities complement the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
