First Military Movement for 2018!

Today 3rd January 2018, at Luqa (LMML) we had our first rare military movement in the form of a Spanish Navy Cessna 550 Citation II (reg U20-1). This aircraft belongs to the 4th Aircraft Squadron, whose calling is to serve others summarised in their motto: “Omnia Vincula Disrumpam” (break all chains). The Squadron has clocked up more than 40,000 flight hours in multiple missions supporting other Units all over Europe and Africa. The 4th Aircraft Squadron is part of the Spanish Navy Air Flotilla with base in Rota Naval Base (Cádiz), and is composed of the following aircraft types:

  • 3 Cessna Citation II (C-550)
  • 1 Cessna Citation VII (C-650)

U20-1

The Cessna aircraft from the 4th Squadron offer great versatility, as the configuration can change depending on the mission assigned. Their main task is logistic support to other Spanish Navy units: personnel and cargo transport; maritime surveillance, collaboration in manoeuvres and exercises; VIP transport; training flights and occasionally, medical support. In this particular instance, it is assumed that the Cessna visited the Maltese Islands in conjunction with the presence of Spanish Navy frigate Santa Maria (F 81), currently berthed in Malta’s Grand Harbour.

These are some of the most important missions of the 4th Aircraft Squadron:

  • Maritime surveillance
  • Participation in exercises
  • Collaboration with Spanish Navy ships, units and facilities
  • VIP transport
  • Medical evacuations / Search and Rescue
  • Photographic reports

Given the great versatility of the aircraft (e.g.: urgent transport of blood to Djibouti, support to a damaged submarine in Crete, maritime surveillance…), the flight crew is ready 24 hours a day all year round. Crews are in charge of piloting the aircraft, planning flights, logistic matters, diplomatic clearances, etc. Since Spanish Navy ships are deployed all over the world in different international conflicts, this Squadron can fly anywhere in Europe to provide logistic support to Fleet units or other organisations.

Source: http://www.armada.mde.es/