VIRIN: 210415-N-YL152-1607
The VP-9 Aviation Ordnance team went through all the steps teaching the RAF team how to properly load and install the SAR kit on the P-8A Poseidon maritime aircraft.
“We use the same exact equipment so if we were ever in a situation and we had to make a joint load team, it would go exceptionally smooth,” said Lt. j.g. Wesley Blyleven, VP-9 Aviation Ordnance division officer. “Our checklist, which gives us step-by-step instructions on how to load ordnance/stores, are remarkably similar,” added Blyeven.
The Lossiemouth RAF maritime squadron is still building their fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircrafts. CXX Squadron is the first to operate the Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in the RAF. The squadron will receive their first SAR kit in June 2022.