NADI, Fiji -- A P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 participated in Operation Tui Moana, a Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency led event, ending May 24.

The purpose of the four day event was to enhance Pacific Island Country involvement and participation in maritime fisheries surveillance and response operations.

“The opportunity to participate in such a dynamic multinational event was very unique and humbling,” said Lt. Cartney Saldana, VP-8 tactical coordinator who stated that he enjoyed traveling to such a beautiful part of the world with the opportunity of gaining an invaluable experience.

In addition to Fiji, several other Pacific Island nations were involved to include Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, and New Zealand. VP-8 was the only Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in attendance.

VP-8, based out of Jacksonville, Florida, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the Indo-Pacific region.