US 4th Fleet prepares for P-8A Poseidon
A Boeing P-8A Poseidon has arrived at Cooperative Security Location (CSL) Comalapa, El Salvador, in preparation for deployment with the US Navy’s 4th Fleet, the navy announced on 29 June.
The P-8A, which replaces the P-3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft, is expected to begin its deployment in the 4th Fleet area of responsibility in 2017. The aircraft is capable of conducting long range maritime and littoral operations as well as surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
The new aircraft will support Joint Interagency Task Force-South missions out of CSL Comalapa. The P-3C Orion has operated out of the location in support of counter-illicit trafficking and counter-narcotic operations for more than ten years.
US Naval Forces Southern Command and US 4th Fleet supports US Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and enhance regional security in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
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