Navy Proposes Conversion of 2 Active P-8 Squadrons to Reserve

Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 3rd Class Julian Marriagabossio, left, assigned to the “Grey Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, signals to the pilots of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, Jan. 7, 2021, at NAS Sigonella, Italy. *U.S. NAVY / Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Austin Ingram*

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy proposes to shift two P-8A Poseidon patrol (VP) squadrons from the active component to the reserve component in 2026, budget documents show.

The Navy’s 2023 budget highlights book published this month shows a proposal to shift two VP squadrons — one from each coast — to the Navy Reserve. The Navy currently fields 12 P-8A-equipped fleet VP squadrons, six each at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, and NAS Jacksonville, Florida. In addition, the Navy Air Reserve operates two P-3C Orion-equipped VP squadrons, one each at Jacksonville and Whidbey Island. These two squadrons are planned for transition to the P-8A in the next few years, which, if the above conversion occurs, eventually would give the reserve component four P-8A VP squadrons.

The two current reserve VP squadrons, VP-62 at Jacksonville and VP-69 at Whidbey Island, frequently augment the active component force for operations and exercises.

“This force structure change supports the move to integrate the reserve component more towards a ‘total force’ solution in meeting steady state demands,” the budget highlights book says.

The Navy estimates the shift would result in savings of $55.5 million over the Future Years Defense Plan.