United States Navy (USN) Boeing P-8A Poseidon 169337 (LA-337) “Madfox 2” Lands at Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 21 July, United States Navy (USN) Boeing P-8A Poseidon 169337 (code LA-337) became the first ever Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to land at Rockhampton Airport when it touched down from RAAF Base Williamtown as "Madfox 2".

Many local plane spotters were on hand to provide a great all-around coverage of this great arrival into the beef capital!

It came to Rockhampton airport to complete what appeared to be a Forward Arming and Refuelling Points (FARP) Exercise. 

The Poseidon was met by personnel and equipment on the main taxiway Juliette and appeared to be refuelled.

After a short while, it taxied back onto the Runway and departed back to Williamtown.

169337 is one of two P-8A Posiedons that have deployed to RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle in New South Wales for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19) that are flown by the US Navy's long-time flying Marine Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5) the "Mad Foxes". 

VP-5 is the second oldest patrol squadron, the fourth oldest in the United States Navy, and the 33rd oldest squadron in the United States military. VP-5 is currently reportedly based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida.

Of interest, The other has been identified as 169339 (Code LA-339) and has been seen flying as "Madfox 8".

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Scott Harris, 'IAD' and Kayanne Hardsman  ©️