VP-4 Executes First West Coast P-8A In Air Refueling Operations

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Juan Sua | 190206-N-CR843-045 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (Feb. 6, 2019) A P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance aircraft assigned to the Skinny Dragons of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 conducts air refueling operations with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 aircraft. VP-4 is the first west coast P-8A squadron to begin air refueling operations following their successful transition from the P-3C Orion aircraft to the P-8A Poseidon aircraft in May 2017. VP-4 is conducting its fleet readiness training plan in preparation for their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua/Released)  

OAK HARBOR, WA, UNITED STATES

02.15.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Sua 

Patrol Squadron 4

OAK HARBOR, Wash. -- U.S. Navy Aircrewmen assigned to the “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 began P-8A air-to-air refueling (AAR) operations on Feb. 6, 2019.

Over the course of two day and night sorties, pilots Lt. Cmdr. Eric Martin and Lt. Brent Nelsen flew a P-8A while a 940^th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 fueled the aircraft. Both pilots also logged several “dry plugs” under the guidance of Fleet Replacement Squadron (VP) 30 personnel as a part of the AAR requalification.

As one of the original test pilots for the P-8A Fleet Integration Team AAR test program, Martin is highly qualified to instruct future VP-4 pilots in this evolution. 

“The P-8A has successfully been conducting aerial refueling on the East Coast for the past 18 months,” said Martin. “We look forward to extending that capability to the West Coast, enhancing strategic mission effectiveness, building symbiotic relationships with the Air Force Air Refueling Wings, and building of air-to-air experience in the MPRA community.”

The introduction of aerial refueling is a strategic military capability that increases the P-8A’s range and flexibility.

“Introducing aerial refueling to west coast P-8A squadrons is a huge milestone for the maritime patrol and reconnaissance community,” said Cmdr. Christopher Purcell, Commanding Officer, VP-4. “We are pleased to have an opportunity to introduce this capability on the west coast and build proficiency as more pilots are exposed to it.”  

VP-4, based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington is currently conducting a fleet readiness training plan in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

• Date Taken: 02.15.2019
• Date Posted: 02.15.2019 16:12
• Story ID: 310975
• Location: OAK HARBOR, WA, US