Service members assigned to Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9) began their inaugural P-8A Poseidon deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, April 12, 2019.

The “Golden Eagles” of VP-9 completed a 12-month inter-deployment readiness cycle and spent the months after transitioning from the P-3C Orion aircraft to the newer P-8A Poseidon preparing for deployment to Naval Air Station Sigonella, where they are operating under commander, Task Force 67 (CTF 67) as the first Naval Air Station Whidbey Island maritime patrol squadron to deploy to the U.S. 6th Fleet with the P-8A Poseidon.

“The Golden Eagles are an exceptionally professional and capable team of Sailors,” said Cmdr. Hamish Kirkland, commanding officer of VP-9. “We have spent the past 18 months preparing for this deployment, and we are fully trained and ready to face every challenge and meet every task in the U.S. 6th Fleet. It is impossible to overstate how proud I am of the entire Golden Eagle family.”

VP-9 operates the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, capable of conducting Anti-Submarine Warfare, maritime domain awareness, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, Anti-Surface Warfare, and search and rescue missions.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For more news and information from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.c6f.navy.mil