NAS Whidbey to Get Four P-8A Squadrons

[unhappycamper]

NAS Whidbey to Get Four P-8A Squadrons
January 06, 2009
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Four squadrons of the new P-8A Poseidons will be stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Wash., to replace the aging turboprop P-3C Orions, making the community the Navy's West Coast base for the jets.

The Navy's decision, which was announced Jan. 2, is the latest step in transforming its aging fleet. Whidbey crews have already received the first of the supersonic, radar-jamming EA-18G Growler, which are replacing the stalwart EA-6B Prowler as the Navy's electronic countermeasures plane.

About $20 billion will be spent on 108 Poseidons, which will be built on a modified Boeing Co. 737 frame, and introduced by 2012, completely replacing the old P-3s by 2019. The P-8As will take over the Navy's submarine-detecting and surveillance duties.

"I think the local community here is very aware of it and very excited about it," Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik said. "We are aware of their future plans and certainly support their mission."

The main Poseidon base will be at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where five squadrons -- each with six aircraft -- and the training center for new P-8A pilots will go, according to Navy officials. Three squadrons will be stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and periodically, squadrons will be detached to Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, Calif.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/nas-whidbey-to-get-four-p8a-squadrons.html?col=1186032310810