Aviators from the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) took part in Poseidon training with the US Navy in Jacksonville, Florida.
Aircrew from the RNoAF became the first to graduate from Patrol Squadron Thirty’s Category 2 school as part of Poseidon training. The pilots transitioned from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon during the course in Jacksonville, Florida.
Some of the Norwegian crew will stay at VP-30 to undergo the Instructor Under-Training syllabus to qualify as instructors for the new P-8A force in Norway. Others will go on to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland to test and develop P-8A technology.
Norway’s Air and Defence Cooperation Attache Colonel Haavaard Klevberg said: “There is a need for close alliances and an importance for great power rivalry. By continuing close operations with the U.S. with ASW and maritime surveillance, the 333 Squadron considerably and substantially contributes to maintain close partnerships between Norway and the United States.”
Captain Thomas Grady, VP-30 Commanding Officer, said: “Whether it be through NATO, our through the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, or simply through humanitarian assistance, the United States and Norway have always had a special bond. And that bond becomes even stronger today, as we celebrate the graduation of the first Norwegian P-8A class.”
Norway plans to accept new P-8A aircraft between 2021-2023 and 10 more aircrews are planned to train at VP-30 to develop P-8A capability. VP-30’s foreign military sales division facilitated the course with the RNoAF No.333 squadron to facilitate joint skills for future allied operations involving the P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
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