United States Navy’s P-8A Poseidon Set to Impress at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

The United States Navy’s P-8A Poseidon is ready to showcase its formidable capabilities and cutting-edge technology to Australian audiences next month.

 “We are absolutely thrilled for the opportunity to demonstrate the P-8A Poseidon at this year’s Pacific Airshow Gold Coast,” said Lieutenant Simon Lyon, from his homebase in Misawa, Japan, where he works for Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72.

 The P-8A Poseidon, known for its versatility and advanced systems, will be performing a series of manoeuvres designed to highlight its prowess in various mission sets.

 “We're hoping to demonstrate the P-8A doing low-altitude flight while dropping an acoustic sonobuoy," Lyon said.

 Naval Aircrewman Operator Petty Officer First Class (AWO1) Quintana, an Electronic Warfare Operator from the detachment crew, is heading ‘down under’ and looks forward to sharing more about his experiences as a P-8A operator.

 “Okinawa is a refreshing experience, the people are very kind,” he said.

 “The island is clean, and the stores are organised with care, the restaurants all prepare food with pride and a sense of passion from what I’ve experienced.

 “The military experience is very dynamic compared to being home in the United States. At home, it’s a little more structured in terms of my own transportation, apartment and getting to and from the hangar and flights. Here we rely on a bus schedule, pack light and meal prep so that we are able to constantly be on the go for flights and operations!”

 The P-8A Poseidon serves multiple critical roles, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance and maritime domain awareness. It can also support humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and counter-narcotic operations.

 The P-8A has a range of about 1200 nautical miles and a speed of 490 knots, with a ceiling of 41,000 feet. It features an advanced multi-role radar, electro-optical/infrared camera and a robust communications suite of long-range and line-of-sight radios. It can be armed with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-surface missiles and acoustic sonobuoys used for anti-submarine warfare.

 The collaboration between US Navy P-8A units and the Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon units has been a highlight of numerous joint exercises.

 “US Navy P-8As have routinely operated alongside RAAF P-8A Poseidon units in exercises such as Kakadu, Talisman Sabre, Malabar, RIMPAC and Sea Dragon, which is hosted by CTF-72 in Guam. We are always excited to operate alongside RAAF P-8A units whenever we get the opportunity,” said LT Lyon. 

A typical P-8A crew comprises three Pilots, two Naval Flight Officers, two Electronic Warfare Operators and two Acoustic Operators, all working seamlessly to ensure mission success.

Reflecting on his time with the P-8A Poseidon, AWO1 Quintana said his most memorable experiences from flying in the P-8A was being able to see the world at different heights.

“I’ve been to Japan, Palau, Guam, Thailand, Philippines, Sicily, Iceland, Scotland and England. The most clear memory I have over the years aside from the people on my various crews? Hands down - being able to witness sunrises, sunsets, constellations, mountain ranges, storms over the horizon, lightning, rain, calm seas or the northern lights,” he said.

“It always seems to make me feel small and grateful for the job we’re able to do up there.”