SANTIAGO, Chile –
Patrol Squadron (VP- 30) and the unit’s flight crew displayed a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon during Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE) 2026 in Santiago, Chile, April 7 - 12, 2026, reinforcing U.S. maritime patrol capability and integration with regional partners.
The aircraft’s presence enabled direct engagement with the Chilean Air Force and Navy, connecting crews with shared P-3 experience while demonstrating next-generation maritime patrol and reconnaissance capability.
“The U.S. presence at FIDAE is of strategic importance,” said Chilean Air Force Col. Rolando Guerrero Rubio, FIDAE 2026 Air Operations Manager. “This achievement underscores our combined operational readiness and the seamless support our nations provide one another.”
The engagement highlighted how U.S. assets at FIDAE drive interoperability, strengthen trusted partnerships, and advance shared maritime security across the hemisphere.
“FIDAE is such a great opportunity for the United States to showcase this new asset, the P-8,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tim “Tummy” Cline, P-8A mission commander and officer in charge of the detachment. “It allows us to strengthen our partnerships with the Chilean Air Force and Chilean Navy, and shows our commitment to providing security in their waters.”
The P-8 replaces the legacy P-3 Orion, an aircraft still flown by the Chilean Air Force, creating a natural bridge between crews with shared operational experience while opening the door to expanded capability.
“The fact that they fly the P-3, which is what this replaced, makes this meaningful,” Cline said. “We understand each other, and we can showcase the new capabilities the P-8 brings.”
U.S. and Chilean crews connected throughout the event, including a tour of the aircraft by the Chilean P-3 operators, an exchange that reinforced common tactics, mission sets and operational understanding.
“We were able to sync with the Chilean P-3 crew and give them a tour,” Cline said. “Even without a full exchange, just being able to connect and talk through the platform was valuable.”
The engagement also reinforced a broader message to regional partners attending the trade and air show; U.S. forces remain committed, integrated and ready to operate alongside allies and partners across the hemisphere.
“It shows all the other countries and folks here for the trade show ways to strengthen U.S.-Chilean partnerships,” Cline said.
The aircraft commander echoed the importance of representing U.S. naval aviation abroad and building on that momentum with partners.
“We’re excited to be here as a team showcasing the best of U.S. Navy capability and this aircraft,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Ethan White, the P-8 aircraft commander. “Chile’s hospitality has been incredible, and it’s been amazing to experience the country while connecting with our partners.”
For Cline, the mission also reflected a partnership built over time.
“I came here in 2008 as a young midshipman, and now I’m back 18 years later,” he said. “The local populace, the Chilean Air Force and Navy - they’ve all been nothing but receptive and awesome. It just proves that our partnership is strong.”
As the aircraft remained on static display, steady lines of visitors engaging with the crew underscored both public interest and the enduring strength of the U.S.- Chilean partnership.
“We’re here. We’re ready to work. We’re ready to partner,” Cline said. “We’re ready to strengthen a partnership that’s already decades in the making and showcase what this platform can bring.”
More than a static display, the P-8’s presence signaled a force ready to integrate, operate, and deliver alongside trusted partners. From shared legacy platforms to next-generation capability, engagements like FIDAE continue to sharpen collective readiness and reinforce a secure, stable, and connected Western Hemisphere.