Sailors, from Patrol Squadron VP40 conduct flight ops along the Southern Border aboard a P-8A Poseidon, Jan. 31. Photo by Third Fleet.
The U.S. Navy is using its P-8A Poseidon aircraft to enhance security along the southern border and nearby ocean areas as part of a directive from President Donald Trump. These planes, primarily used for patrol missions, have been active recently, flying from Florida, California, and Arizona’s Davis-Monthan Air Force Base bases. Officials report that these missions focus on taking high-quality images of the border areas.
A P-8A Poseidon aircraft, assigned to Patrol Squadron VP 40, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz, between operations along the southern border on Jan. 31, 2025. U.S. Navy photo
The Department of Defense has confirmed these activities and shared photos of the P-8A Poseidon during these missions. While details about the flight paths are not disclosed, these flights are part of a broader initiative that includes deploying over 2,000 troops to strengthen border security. Alongside the Navy’s efforts, the Air Force has also deployed the RC-135 Rivet Joint, a surveillance aircraft, which conducted missions off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula in the Sea of Cortez to monitor the region from above.
Additionally, the U.S. Northern Command announced on Feb. 4 that 140 military intelligence staff and 500 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division are now assisting in border security efforts. Their roles include video analysis, network analysis, and translating documents into Spanish to support the U.S. Border Patrol’s intelligence office. This strategy combines advanced aerial surveillance with on-the-ground intelligence efforts to secure the southern border.
