US Navy aircrew from the “Mad Foxes” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 joined with members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at Edinburgh Airfield in South Australia Oct. 2-8 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the RAAF Maritime Patrol Force.
During the six-day event, squadron senior leadership, pilots, flight officers and aircrew participated in a joint air show and held multiple information exchanges with their RAAF counterparts and highlighted the P-8 Poseidon’s capabilities as the U.S. Navy’s most advanced long range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft.
Cmdr. Al D’Jock, VP-5 executive officer, said:
It was an honor to join our close allies on such an occasion to celebrate a major milestone in the history of Australia’s Maritime Patrol Force.
The celebration provided an opportunity to showcase the Navy’s newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon. VP-5 is the second squadron in 7th Fleet to fly the P-8A, which is part of the Navy’s commitment to the Pacific rebalance to bring the latest technology to the region and to ensure the U.S. is best postured to honor its security commitments to regional security and stability.
The P-8A is the most advanced long-range, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. A true multimission aircraft, it also provides superior maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. Built on the proven Boeing 737 airframe, the P-8A brings with it enhanced safety and reduced maintenance.
The RAAF currently operates P-3 Orion aircraft and is scheduled to begin acceptance of the P-8A, a maritime reconnaissance patrol aircraft, in 2017. The P-8A remains interoperable with the RAAF P-3 force.
The Mad Foxes of VP-5, stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, are currently deployed to 7th Fleet.
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Press release, Image: US Navy