 As Lieutenant Ryan Solomon prepares for his flight, he checks his emergency gear before heading out. He's a Navy P-3 Charlie Orion pilot with Patrol Squadron 4-6. I'm also the mission commander, so I'm responsible for the safe and proper execution of the mission. Make sure that our objectives are met with the missions conducted in proper fashion. Let's get out of here. The P-3 is a maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft. After the Maverick missiles are loaded, the 11-person crew takes off and heads for international waters. Our mission today, we're escorting an aircraft carrier, freeze data missions for us. During the flight, three sensor operators make sure that nothing below, on or above the surface of the water goes undetected. While these operators keep a watchful eye on everything outside, the in-flight technician makes sure everything is in good working order inside the plane. I am in charge of all the electronics on the plane, all the avionics. Any maintenance required on the communication systems that displays the radar, the sensors. I also have the ordnance qualified personnel on the plane. The buoys can be dropped into the ocean and detect submarines when the mission calls for it. Also on board, the flight engineer who sits between the two pilots. We'll monitor the engines during flight for operation. Just in case there's any malfunctions or emergencies, I'll handle that accordingly. If you never know what's going to happen on the plane or during the flight. Which makes having a good crew that much more important. I really enjoy my job. It's great to work with an air crew and accomplish missions as a team. A mission that keeps the fleet safe, one flight at a time. Reporting from Southwest Asia, I'm Air Force Master Sergeant Ryan Cruz.