First Whidbey Island P-8 squadron cleared for flight
The first Boeing Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) squadron at US Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has gained Safe for Flight certification with an initial operating capability of two aircraft.
The full contingent of seven aircraft with personnel is expected before the end of August.
Squadron VP-47 will be stood up with P-8s when it has a full complement of aircraft making it the first squadron at the US west coast naval station, which will eventually be home to half of the nation’s 12 squadrons.
Boeing is currently contracted to provide 111 aircraft and 53 have been delivered but
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Royal Navy destroyer completes UAV live-fire exercise before heading to the Indo-Pacific]()
Royal Navy destroyer completes UAV live-fire exercise before heading to the Indo-Pacific
HMS Dauntless ran a full UAV test to mimic potential real-world threats.
-
![Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates]()
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
