A crew from CXX Squadron have recently returned from a trip to Canada which has been described as “Extra Special” by the UK Air Adviser to Canada.
Supported by engineers from 201 Sqn, the crew flew collaborative training sorties with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), as well as performing the opening flypast of the Atlantic Air show.
The visit was also an opportunity for the RAF to share their experience of operating the P-8 Poseidonas they flew the aircraft for the first time in Canada.
Speaking from the British High Commission in Ottawa, Wing Commander Adrian Mellors, UK Air and
Naval Advisor to Canada said:
“With a long and rich history of working with Canada in the key maritime patrol role, it is always
great to train with the RCAF and the RCN in their own backyard. But this visit is extra special as we
also get to share our experience of operating the excellent, and still fairly new to us, P-8 Poseidon
here in Canada for the first time.”Wing Commander Mellors
“It was great to share the UK’s latest maritime patrol capability whilst also learning from
and collaborating with such a valued defence partner.”Wing Commander Mellors
Aptly named after the Canadian First World War pilot ace and Victoria Cross holder, William Barker VC, the Poseidon and its crew conducted training with HMCS Moncton which allowed Canadian crews and personnel the opportunity to see the aircrafts abilities up close and in real time.
The visit was concluded with the opening flypast at the Atlantic Airshow in Nova Scotia, as the crowds were delighted by a flypast at just 500 feet.
Speaking on his return to RAF Lossiemouth, Squadron Leader Lloyd Barrett, Detachment Commander said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to return to CFB Greenwood, this time in our very newest
Poseidon aircraft. As always, with the Canadian Maritime Aviation community, the hosting has been
exceptional and there were a lot of old acquaintances renewed. The aircrew from CXX Sqn were
delighted to be able to showcase the capability of Poseidon and it was an honour to be invited to
open the Atlantic Airshow 22 with a flypast at 500 feet.”Squadron Leader Barrett
