[Llarry]

The patrol squadrons of the U.S. Navy's Patrol and Reconnaissance Force are now all using the Boeing P-8A Poseidon jet aircraft. The biggest remaining user of the Lockheed P-3 is Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) ONE which continues to operate the EP-3E -- but which is not long for this world. VQ-1 also has one or more P-3Cs which are used for crew training. The squadron is scheduled to be disestablished in 2025, with the signals intelligence mission assumed by unmanned aircraft.

A few days ago, one of VQ-1's P-3Cs was observed visiting the RCAF's 19 Wing at Comox, British Columbia, for some landing practice. Despite external appearances -- the sonobuoy launch tubes on the underside and the MAD boom at the tail -- I suspect this aircraft has most or all antisubmarine equipment removed. But the photo is a great study of the P-3C Orion.