Overview
- Flight-tracking data showed the patrol jet depart Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, transit Oregon and California, and conduct repeated circuits off Tijuana before returning to base.
- The mission took place over waters off Southern California and Baja toward Ensenada, in zones reported to extend roughly 352 miles into the Pacific.
- The flight followed days after President Trump warned Mexico over cartel activity and floated possible military measures if trafficking continues.
- Reporters note the Navy has not disclosed the purpose of the flight, leaving open whether it was routine reconnaissance or related to the president’s remarks.
- Coverage described the P-8’s sensors for detecting surface and subsurface targets used to watch suspected smuggling routes, as UN diplomats voiced criticism of recent U.S. actions in Venezuela.