One year at Naval Air Station Sigonella for MQ-4C Triton
The first MQ-4C Triton arrived to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella on March 30 last year.
The MQ-4C’s arrival to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations marked the second forward-deployed detachment for VUP-19 (Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19). A total of three detachments are planned when the program is fully operational. These deployments enhance U.S. Navy interoperability with NATO Allies and partners.
“The addition of the MQ-4C Triton, right here in Sigonella, is another milestone in the successful development of the Triton program,” said Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, Commanding Officer, NAS Sigonella when the aircraft arrived last year. “We are proud to support VUP-19 as they integrate with the Fleet to expand the roles of unmanned aircraft systems operations in our region and beyond.”
The MQ-4C Triton is the Navy’s newest Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Maritime Patrol asset and augments the capabilities of the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
VUP-19, homeported in Florida at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, boasts the Sailors and officers from various aviation ratings and officer communities who maintain and operate the Triton around the world. Aircrew gathers and processes surveillance information utilizing data fusion tools that integrate sensor data from multiple aircraft into a comprehensive networked picture to further assist in building an accurate threat representation.
Naval Air Station Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.
Unmanned Patrol Squadron ONE NINE (VUP-19) was established on October 1st 2013 and was later commissioned on October 28th 2016. As the United States Navy’s first unmanned maritime patrol squadron, VUP-19 is a team of active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel which draws its lineage from and honors the rich history of Patrol Squadron ONE NINE (VP-19) which was established in 1946.
The squadron’s mission is to employ the baseline MQ-4C Triton aircraft to provide persistent ISR, distributing valuable and time-critical intelligence to Combatant and Fleet Commanders
