Young eyes look to the skies – Part 3

Air Force Cadets experience the new P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Australian Air Force Cadets from 6 Wing were among the first to get a close-up view of Australia’s new Maritime Patrol Aircraft – the P-8A Poseidon.

CAPTION: One of 6 Wing’s gliders, the ASK-21 Mi, sits on the tarmac at RAAF Edinburgh beside Australia’s new Maritime Patrol Aircraft – the P-8A Poseidon

On Saturday 26 November, 11 Squadron RAAF held a family day to mark the start of the change-over of its flying operations from the highly decorated and venerable P-3 Orion to the new P-8A Poseidon.

11 Squadron has been operating the Orion out of RAAF Edinburgh since the first P-3B model arrived in 1968.

It has since flown the P-3C and AP-3C, from Antarctica to Scotland and everywhere in between.

11 Squadron will convert to the P-8A Poseidon later this year.

6 Wing also supported the family day with a static display of their ASK-21 Mi two-seater glider, a recruiting/information display and a fundraising sausage sizzle.

Steve Holden, the Residential Manager of Flight Training Adelaide, supported the 6 Wing effort by supplying 100 loaves of bread and 100kg of sausages, plus around 25kg of onions.

Pilot Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer, said the cadets were given a rare view of the entire history of maritime reconnaissance and patrol operations conducted by 11 Squadron, from the wartime ‘Black Cat’ Catalina through to the Neptune and AP-3C Orion, and into the future with the new P-8A Poseidon.

Aviation-oriented experiences such as the 11 Squadron aircraft display help cadets frame their ambition of pursuing a fixed-wing flying career in the Royal Australian Air Force.

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