The Navy’s first MQ-4C Triton UAS have arrived in Guam for their initial deployment in the Pacific theater.

As part of an early operational capability (EOC), the first Triton UAS squadron, known as Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, will operate and maintain two aircraft, with a goal of further developing the concept of operations and fleet learning associated with operating a high-altitude, long-endurance system in the maritime domain.

Both Tritons arrived at Andersen Air Force base as of Sunday, Jan. 26, and they will fall under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, lead for patrol, reconnaissance and surveillance forces in 7th Fleet.

“The introduction of MQ-4C Triton to the Seventh Fleet area of operations expands the reach of the U.S. Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force in the Western Pacific,” says Capt. Matt Rutherford, commander of CTF-72.

“Coupling the capabilities of the MQ-4C with the proven performance of P-8, P-3 and EP-3 will enable improved maritime domain awareness in support of regional and national security objectives.”

In preparation for EOC, the Navy’s Persistent Maritime UAS program office at Patuxent River and industry partner Northrop Grumman worked closely with VUP-19. The team completed extensive operational test and unit level training before flying the aircraft to Guam.

“This significant milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work by the joint team to prepare Triton for overseas operations,” says Capt. Dan Mackin, whom manages the Navy’s Persistent Maritime UAS program office at Patuxent River.

“The fielding of the Navy's premier unmanned aircraft system and its additive, persistent, multi-sensor data collection and real-time dissemination capability will revolutionize the way maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is performed.”

The MQ-4C Triton will conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that will complement the P-8A Poseidon. Through its multi-sensor mission payload, the UAS is expected to provide increased persistence, capability, and capacity.

“The inaugural deployment of Triton UAS brings enhanced capabilities and a broad increase in Maritime Domain Awareness to our forward Fleet commanders,” says Rear Adm. Peter Garvin, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group.

“VUP-19, the Navy’s first dedicated UAS squadron supported by an outstanding NAVAIR and industry team, is superbly trained and ready to provide the persistent ISR coverage the Navy needs.”

Initial operational capability will include four air vehicles with capacity to support operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Photo below: ​An MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) idles on a runway at Andersen Air Force Base after arriving for a deployment as part of an early operational capability (EOC) test to further develop the concept of operations and fleet learning associated with operating a high-altitude, long-endurance system in the maritime domain. Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, the first Triton UAS squadron, will operate and maintain two aircraft in Guam under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, the U.S. Navy's lead for patrol, reconnaissance and surveillance forces in U.S. 7th Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class MacAdam Kane Weissman/Released)