100 services and counting

Ordinarily a matter of routine, a post-service aircraft delivery of P-8A Poseidon A47-012 on August 15 was instead an occasion to celebrate.

CAPTION: No. 11 Squadron and Airbus maintenance teams celebrate the 100th completed servicing of the P-8A Poseidon platform at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Story by Flight Lieutenant Claire Burnet. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Sam Price.

The day marked the 100th service completed by the joint No. 11 Squadron-Airbus base maintenance team at RAAF Base Edinburgh, and team members celebrated with morning tea before getting right back to work – on their 101st service.

Senior Engineering Officer No. 11 Squadron Squadron Leader Patrick Wall said the team’s achievements were testament to the success of the P-8A Sustainment Program.

“Established in January 2020, this program is part of the P-8A Through Life Support contract with Boeing Defence Australia that supports No. 92 Wing’s No. 11 Squadron maintenance of the P-8A,” Squadron Leader Wall said.

“The No. 11 Squadron-Airbus team is responsible for routine and special servicing of the P-8A, while Boeing Defence Australia undertakes its deep maintenance servicing.”

The arrangement between Boeing Defence Australia, Airbus and Air Force ensures the ongoing success of the P-8A platform.

“Airbus have been essential in training No. 11 Squadron personnel to undertake P-8A servicing: reinvesting their knowledge and experience into the joint team,” Squadron Leader Wall said.

“Together they have improved safety and efficiency, being responsible for halving the reduction of total fleet deferred defects from an average of 120 down to 60.

“We share today’s celebration as one team, focussed on the future.”

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