The U.S. Navy declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2 (Inc 3 Blk 2) system. This significant milestone was achieved after the initial phase of Initial Operational Test performed by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) with support from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290).

Each year the Department of War (DOW) recognizes exceptional acquisition professionals from the prior year. During the 2025 acquisition year, three Program Executive Office, Air, Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)) teams and individuals were winners during the Feb. 18 ceremony held at the Pentagon.

The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program office (PMA-290) achieved an airborne connectivity landmark when the P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2 (I3B2) aircraft successfully connected to the Minotaur Family of Systems (MFoS) Labyrinth hub. This pivotal connection occurred during a combined development test / operational test event this December at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program (PMA-290) and the P-8A program team planned and executed several Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events in recent months.  The successful AOG events were completed outside of the continental U.S. (OCONUS) with cooperative partnerships between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the contractual relationship between RAAF Surveillance and Response System Program Office (SRSPO) with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA).

Increment 3 Block 2 modifications are complete for the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The modifications outfit the P-8A with the full anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities outlined in the P-8A program’s evolutionary acquisition strategy. The modifications began at Boeing’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hangar at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida in March 2024.

The Marine Corps Aviation Association, John Glenn Squadron (MCAA JGS) in Patuxent River recently recognized high school graduates in the Southern Maryland tri-county area who plan to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM)-based degrees with merit-based scholarships.

For 2024-2025 school year, MCAA JGS scholarship Committee selected 12 exceptional high school seniors to receive scholarships who were chosen based on their outstanding academic achievements and consistent dedication to community service.

Two EP-3E Airborne Reconnaissance Integrated Electronic System (ARIES) II aircraft stopped at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River while making their return journey from final detachments. Upon arrival of the second aircraft, current and former Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290) personnel gathered to commemorate the aircraft flown by a crew from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1. NAS Patuxent River was the first stateside stop before both aircraft flew home to NAS Whidbey Island.

The U.S. Navy delivered the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft to be modified with Increment 3 Block 2 capabilities to Boeing on March 27, enabling the fleet to be outfitted with the full anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities outlined in the P-8A program’s evolutionary acquisition strategy.

The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290) welcomed a new program manager on March 21 when Capt. Erik Thomas relieved Capt. Eric Gardner during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Australia recently announced the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol and Response aircraft will be upgraded to Increment Three Block Two, the latest capability upgrade available for the aircraft. The upgrade will enhance anti-submarine warfare, strike and intelligence capabilities.