Navy will establish first-ever Triton detachment in Guam

The Navy will establish in August the first-ever MQ-4C Triton detachment outside the continental United States, according to a service notice.

The detachment, set to be based in Guam to support U.S. Pacific Command, was requested of the office of the chief of naval operations by both the U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Fleet Forces Command chiefs, according to a July 6 OPNAV notice.

Unmanned Patrol Squadron-19 Launch and Recovery Detachment-7 (VUP-19 LRE DET-7) will support early operational capability of the system, the notice reads.

"VUP-19 will rotationally source maintenance teams from VUP-19 Det Point Mugu, CA, and aircrews from VUP-19 at Jacksonville, FL, to man LRE DET 7 in Guam until such time as a West Coast VUP squadron is established," according to the notice.

Triton is the UAS complement to the P-8A maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft. The MQ-4C is equipped with maritime radar, electro-optical/infrared and electronic support measures systems. Additionally, Triton has a communications relay capability linking dispersed forces in theater.