U.S. Navy builds on Philippine partnership with VP-10

ByPettyOfficer1stClassAshleyGuire Patrol Squadron (VP) 10

MACTAN-BENITOEBUENAIRBASE, Philippines The “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 wrapped up a weeklong engagement with personnel from the ArmedForcesofthePhilippinesinMactan Philippines Jan. 27

Designedtopromotejointregionalsecurity and partnership between the Philippines and the United States, the event included a P-8A Poseidon static aircraft display and distinguished visitor flights in the Philippine Sea.

“We have a common interest a free and open Pacific with shared values,” said Cmdr Marc “Magnum” Hines, VP-10 commanding officer “The U.S. Navy and maritime patrol’s persistent presence across the theater and bilateral engagements like this underpin the importance of that partnership.”

Among the distinguished visitors to fly were Lt Gen. Benedict Arevalo the commander of Armed Forces of the Philippines - Visayas Command, Maj. Gen JoannisLeonardiB.Dimaano,commander, Air Mobility Command, and Commodore Ernesto Baldovino, commander, Naval

Forces Central. “The Philippine-U.S Alliance has a long standing history, and joint shore-based operations are aligned with both partner’s priorities,” said Arevalo The week allowed continued regional security in the Philippine Sea while building mutual trust between the Philippines and the United States.

“It’s a pleasure to take these gentlemen flying with us,” said Lt Daniel Leclaire, VP-10 Mission Commander “It is always nice to showcase our maritime patrol aircraft’s capabilities to include anti-submarine warfare, information surveillance and reconnaissance, and anti-surface warfare.

The“RedLancers”arebasedinJacksonville, Florida, and are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan The squadron conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance, as well as theater outreach operations as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinelyinteractsandoperateswithAllies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Merrillville, Indiana, native serves aboard USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) while conducting operations in the Pacific Ocean

Johnson Commander Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15

A Merrillville, Indiana, native and 2021 graduateofMerrillvilleHighSchoolisserving aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115).

Petty Officer 3rd Class Elizabeth

Quinonesmaldonado joined the Navy in 2021 as a cryptologic technician (technical) orCTR,andisnowforward-deployed aboardRafaelPeraltatoCommander,Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

“WhenIgraduatedhighschool,Iwasn’t quite ready to commit to college,” said Quinonesmaldonado “Considering that, I come from a military family and they all had really good experiences during their service so I decided that was something I wanted to pursue.”

Quinonesmaldonado said she chose to enlist as a CTR because the rate offers a wide variety of career opportunities

“I was offered three rates, but when I looked into what CTRs do, it really piqued my interest,” said Quinonesmaldonado

“There are a lot of options As a CTR, we can go on subs, ships or shore and follow a number of different career paths.”

CTRs are responsible for providing tactical guidance to special warfare operations and ships across the fleet and serve asexpertsinradarsurveillanceandmissile defense In her short time aboard Rafael Peralta,Quinonesmaldonadosaidhertechnical level of knowledge in these areas has already grown significantly

“One of the most valuable experiences

I’ve had on board so far was hands-on training when NIWTG (Naval Information Warfare Training Group) came on for ourcryptologicwarfarecertification,”said Quinonesmaldonado “We actually ran some simulations and had the opportunity to compile reports and send them out just as we would if we were operating at sea.”

Quinonesmaldonado spent about six months in her primary division before going on a temporary assignment as a food serviceattendant(FSA)intheship’sgalley a duty most junior Sailors fulfill early in their careers It is a duty she has not only embraced,butoneshehasexcelledin,earningthehonorofFSAoftheMonthforJanu-

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan.27,2023) – CryptologicTechnician (Technical) 3rd Class Elizabeth Quinonesmaldonado (left),from Merrillville,Indiana, accepts the Food ServiceAttendant ofthe MonthAward aboard theArleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyerUSS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115)while operating in the Pacific Ocean,Jan.27 Rafael Peralta is assigned to Commander TaskForce 71/DestroyerSquadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S.7th Fleet’s principal surface force.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATION

SPECIALIST1STCLASSGREGJOHNSON) ary 2023

“CTR3 Quinonesmaldonado is a highly motivated, standout Sailor who gives her best day in and day out,” said Lt Domenic Mariani, Rafael Peralta’s supply officer “HerpositiveattitudeisinfectiousandI’m proudtohaveheraspartofmyfoodservice operation.

According to Quinonesmaldonado, if there is one thing she has learned since joining the Navy, it is how to be a more effective communicator

“I’ve learned to be better at communicatingwithothersandhelpingothersout,” said Quinonesmaldonado “Being an FSA has forced me to come out of my shell and has taught me a lot about what it is to be a leader because it requires you to take charge of a lot.”

While Quinonesmaldonado is making thebestofheropportunitiesasanFSA,she said she is looking forward to eventually rejoining her division “I’m really looking forward to getting back and continuing to do my job,” said Quinonesmaldonado. “I want to build on the experience I already have, be my best at my job and focus on studying for the advancement exam.”

RafaelPeraltaisassignedtoCommander Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force