Seen during one of its last operational flights from Hato, before leaving in the early days of 2005, Orion 300 is showing what it looked like in its final days of service with the Royal Netherlands Navy, with light grey panels and elements borrowed from other aircraft.

This Marine Luchtvaartdienst (MLD, Netherlands Navy) Orion was delivered to 320sq at Naval Air Station Valkenburg (the Netherlands) on 21 July 1982. It carried BuNo 161368. It was modified to P-3C-II½ CUP and eventually sold to the Força Aerea Portuguesa (Portuguese Air Force) with serial 14807 on 14 March 2006.

Arrival of the first four of thirteen Orions replacing Neptunes and Atlantics.

The Orions were the successor of the Neptune and were delivered from November 1981. It was used as anti-sub and patrol aircraft from homebase Valkenburg. Usually 1 aircraft was based in Kevlavik (Iceland) for reconnaissance of the Soviet fleet. At Hato (Curacao), it wasn't an unusual sight to see 3 aircraft, which were used in the war against drugs. Due to budget cuts, the squadron was disbanded and homebase Valkenburg was closed. '300' entered service in November 1981 and was retired in March 2005. Sold to Portugal and became 14807. Photo from Harm Reinders

Built as US Navy 161368 but this was not taken-up, to Netherlands Navy 300 taken on charge 01-Nov-1981, struck off charge 01-Jan-2005, to Portuguese AF 14807. It carries a small MARPAT badge under the forward window.

Built as US Navy 161368 but this was not taken-up, to Netherlands Navy 300 taken on chanrge 01-Nov-1981, struck off charge 01-Jan-2005, to Portuguese AF 14807. It carries a small MARPAT badge under the forward window.