Last modified Wed., August 26, 2009 - 03:33 PM
Originally created Thursday, August 27, 2009

'Pelican' crew completes Brunei detachment

By Lt. j.g. Chelsea Brunoehler, VP-45 PAO

Lt. Clay Waddill of the VP-45 "Pelicans" explains the P-3 Orion aircraft navigation course for the SAREX to members of the Royal Brunei Air Force, as part of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2009 Aug. 6. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. Photo by MC2 Nancy deBenedetto

Twenty-one members of the VP-45 'Pelicans' Kadena detachment have completed yet another successful detachment - this time to Brunei Darussalam, a small country that borders Malaysia and the South China Sea. The crew departed Aug. 4 and returned Aug. 9.

The 11 aircrew and 10 maintainers were tasked with aiding the Brunei Navy in a search and rescue exercise. The trip was planned to include several military social gatherings in addition to a flight, but due to a recent outbreak of swine flu and an unexpected request for military aid in other capacities, much of the social agenda was cancelled. The maintainers were disappointed to miss the maintenance tell all where they would have shared tips and experiences on running the maintenance divisions with a fairly new and growing air force.

Despite the change in agenda, the accommodations were outstanding.

The hotel was perhaps one of the most luxurious that many of us have ever stayed in. It featured a golf course, nine swimming pools, six restaurants and bathrooms with Italian marble floors.

Members of the VP-45 Brunei det gather in front of the the Sultan's palace during their recent visit to the country. Photo courtesy of VP-45

With the modified schedule, the Pelicans were given the opportunity to explore the area and exercise at the resort. Several toured mosques, while others shopped markets or drove the perimeter around the Sultan's palace - the largest single residence in the world. Some also experienced the Water Village, a community completed isolated on the Tutong River. Those who stayed at the hotel enjoyed the movie theater, jet skis, kayaks, pool volleyball, golf, spa and gym.

A flight Aug. 6 proved challenging due to poor visibility due to forest fires in Malaysia. It was an excellent training experience however, with the VP-45 crew overcoming language barriers, a flat tire and coordination of airspace with foreign ships as well as low altitude operations in changing weather.

Overall, the trip to Brunei was rewarding for the crewmembers and provided an excellent opportunity for the Pelicans to be ambassadors in a place where people know very little about the U.S. Navy.

Crewmembers of the VP-45 "Pelicans" Brunei det present the CARAT Brunei 2009 plaque to N. Nabillah Abdullah, U.S. Embassy Brunei representative. Crewmembers from left: AO2 Lissette Hungria, PR2 Richardo Damo, AWO2 James Tarletsky and Lt. j.g. Chelsea Brunoehler. Photo courtesy of VP-45