Vice Adm. Thomas P-8A Flight

Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas Jr., commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, observes operations aboard a P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 16 (VP 16). The P-8A is the most advanced long range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world and is the U.S. Navy's replacement platform for the venerable P-3C Orion, which has been in service for 50 years. The P-8A deployed for the first time with VP-16 in Dec. 2013, to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, as part of the Navy's long-range plan to rotate newer and more capable aircraft forward to ensure the U.S. is best postured to honor its security commitments to Japan and to contribute to regional security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)