JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM –
The Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Pearl Harbor team recently completed demilitarization and disposal of a damaged P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, setting a new benchmark for aircraft disposition across the Indo-Pacific.
The P-8 Poseidon, the Navy’s premier maritime reconnaissance aircraft based on the Boeing 737-800 platform, was involved in a 2023 incident where it overshot the runway at Kaneohe Bay and came to rest in nearby water. Thanks to coordinated efforts by DLA and Navy personnel, the aircraft was stabilized and recovered for a secure and environmentally responsible dismantling earlier this year.
Operations Chief Peter Parker, Disposal Service Representative Abel Castaneda, and Property Disposal Specialist Brett Fabre led the complex salvage and demilitarization process. Sensitive military technologies were carefully extracted and handled following DOD security protocols, ensuring classified systems were protected throughout the operation.
“Every phase required detailed planning and precise execution,” said Parker. “We worked closely with local partners and Navy stakeholders to dismantle the aircraft securely and efficiently, maximizing salvage while meeting environmental and security standards.”
DLA’s partnership with a DLA-approved local contractor proved critical. The contractor managed the controlled disassembly and certified destruction of materials not suitable for reuse, complying with state and federal environmental regulations.
“[The contractor’s] expertise was vital to meeting timelines and maintaining compliance,” said DLA Disposition Services Pearl Harbor Area Manager Mezekiel Sims. “Their understanding of DLA requirements made them the ideal partner for this operation.”
This operation marks the first P-8 demilitarization completed in the region and establishes a logistical framework for future aircraft disposals involving Navy and Air Force assets across the Indo-Pacific theater.
“The lessons learned and procedures developed here provide a model for upcoming drawdown initiatives,” said DLA Disposition Services Indo-Pacific Director Faron Cordrey. “It’s a clear example of how smart planning and collaboration enable us to deliver mission-critical logistics support while protecting resources.”
The aircraft was positioned adjacent to the flight line at Kaneohe to facilitate secure access and smooth material flow. Throughout the process, the team balanced mission urgency with strict adherence to demilitarization codes and environmental safeguards.
“This project demonstrates how cross-organizational teamwork results in mission success,” Cordrey added. “By leveraging local partnerships and maintaining close coordination with the Navy, we achieved an outcome that supports national security and environmental responsibility.”
Though no additional P-8 aircraft are currently slated for disposal in the Pacific, the Pearl Harbor team stands ready to apply the proven approach to future high-priority, asset-intensive demilitarization missions.
“Our mission is to optimize every resource in support of the warfighter,” Cordrey said. “The success of this P-8 project reflects our commitment to smart stewardship and partnership, delivering the right solutions without delay.”