As the National Anthem states, Australia is ‘girt by sea’, so it is not surprising that there has been a long tradition of maritime reconnaissance both on, and over, the surrounding seas.

The Navy have always maintained the traditional surface and sub-surface patrolling, with ship-based aircraft undertaking local area patrolling in support of the fleet.

The Royal Australian Air Force on the other hand, have traditionally conducted deep, long distance reconnaissance far out into the oceans.

Before the Second World War, this was limited to land-based aircraft, while during the war, the availability of types such as the Short Sunderland, Martin Mariner and Consolidated PBY5A Catalina flying boats added to the versatility and roles of the RAAF. Deep insertions into enemy held areas, and search and rescue were added to the more traditional role of long range reconnaissance.

The post-war period saw the venerable PBY5A pensioned off, and the role taken over by more conventional aircraft. It was not until late1951 that another dedicated maritime long range patrol aircraft joined the inventory, when the first of twelve Lockheed P2V5, joined the RAAF’s No.11 Squadron at Pearce, Western Australia. These were later upgraded to P2V5F standard, and redesignated as P2E. A further 12 aircraft, all the later model P2V7 (later redesignated SP2H), were acquired in 1962. To the layman, however, they were simply known as the Neptune.

Neptunes provided Australia’s long range maritime patrol needs from 1951 until their final retirement in 1977. During that time, two squadrons, Numbers 10 and 11, operated the type on a wide variety of missions. Although configured for offensive anti-submarine warfare, most peace-time flying hours were recorded in patrols and, to a lesser degree, searching for ships in distress.

Although the Lockheed design originated during the Second World War, this highly capable airframe was able to be upgraded and re-equipped during the period of its deployment with the RAAF. Nevertheless, a more modern turboprop aircraft was inevitably going to replace the twin piston engined Neptune. This was another Lockheed, the P3C Orion, which is still serving with the RAAF today.