Two P-8A Poseidons from Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 participated in the Malta International Airshow, Sept. 24.

This was the first time that the new multi-mission surveillance aircraft has been a part of this event, which has occurred annually since 1993.

Quote:

"The best thing the U.S. can do with the new P-8 in theater is present it to our NATO partners at every event. This airshow was the catalyst in presenting the P-8 and VP community in a new era."

-Lt. Cmdr. Michael Winters, VP-45 detachment officer-in-charge

"It was an amazing opportunity to be able to attend the Malta International Airshow. Not only did it enable me to see various aircraft from around the world, but also gave me the chance to talk to pilots that belong to several different countries. My favorite part was seeing the commonality we all share. No matter what language we speak, there is always a way to get to know someone and meet new people."

-Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Kevin Hartung

Quick Facts:
During the Malta airshow, the P-8A Poseidon was visited by the U.S. Ambassador to Malta, G. Kathleen Hill.

The U.S. Navy's replacement platform for the P-3C Orion, the P-8A Poseidon is capable of broad-area maritime and littoral operations.

The P-8A is a long range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations.

These aircraft are two of seven that will be operating throughout the theater, and represents the U.S. 6th Fleet's continued commitment to partners and allies in the region.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.