The newest maritime patrol aircraft Poseidon MRA1 (based on Boeing 737) for Royal Air Force will be named “Spirit of Reykjavik”, UK Ministry of Defence stated. The plane is expected on Lossiemouth airbase tomorrow.
According to RAF, the name was choosen “in honour of the role played by the Icelandic capital and its people in enabling the Allied victory during the Battle of the Atlantic”. During the WWII the foundation of Reykjavik airport (ICAO: BIRK), new base for seaplane and refuelling port allowed RAF to extend their patrol area in North Atlantic and to defend allies convoys against Axis submarines wolfpacks.
“The connection between RAF maritime flying and Iceland is particularly significant for CXX Squadron. The anti-submarine warfare tactics we use today can be traced to those developed by CXX Squadron and other RAF units during the missions flown from Reykjavik. We look forward to rekindling the warm relationship between the RAF maritime aviation community and the people of Iceland.”
“The connection between RAF maritime flying and Iceland is particularly significant for CXX Squadron. The anti-submarine warfare tactics we use today can be traced to those developed by CXX Squadron and other RAF units during the missions flown from Reykjavik. We look forward to rekindling the warm relationship between the RAF maritime aviation community and the people of Iceland,” said Officer Commanding CXX Squadron James Hanson.
The connection between CXX Squadron and Reykjavik was cemented by His Majesty King George VI approving the addition of an Icelandic Falcon, standing on a demi-terrestrial globe, to the official squadron badge.
