Hello from Canada. I have a question about the markings on your P-8s (and P-3s prior to their retirement). They have a stick figure character painted on the tail – as pictured [here](https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/7626262). What does this stick man represent? It looks like it’s dancing a jaunty dance and always amuses me to see. Would love to learn its story!

by adopted_islander

3 comments

  1. It is the saint, simon templar, book serie and television serie with Roger Moore.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saint_(TV_series)

    https://www.key.aero/article/curious-link-between-roger-moore-and-norwegian-air-force-squadron

    If you need to have a premium version to read the second link, this is the full article:

    In an era where squadron markings on aircraft are often toned down or not worn at all, a notable exception is the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s 333 Squadron. The unit flies the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, which on the tail have a large stick figure with a halo to highlight its nickname of ‘The Saints’.
    However, the squadron’s official badge has no such emblem and features a winged Viking ship which was bestowed by Britain in 1942 when it was part of the RAF fighting Nazi Germany.

    Which begs the question what is the connection between a saint figure and a Royal Norwegian Air Force squadron?

    The definitive reason for the link with 333 Squadron has been lost in the mists of time, though the unit told Key.Aero: “It is believed that the figure must have appeared after the ’60s TV-series ‘The Saint’, based on Leslie Charteris’ book series with the same name. However, it is assumed that the figure has been involved with 333 Squadron earlier than this.”

    The first book featuring Simon ‘The Saint’ Templar, whose efforts thwart the plans of criminals, was published in 1928 with the cover featuring a saint stick figure.

    The unit proffers that its personnel may have been influenced by the fact that a number of RAF squadrons during World War Two used a saint logo, such as 16 Squadron due to it being formed at Saint-Omer in France. It also suggests that a comic book published in 1942 where ‘The Saint’ fights the Nazis and which popularised the character may also have been the reason.

    A 333 Squadron Orion carrying the saint figure on the tail.
    A 333 Squadron Orion carrying the saint figure on the tail. Lockheed P-3C Update III Orion ‘3299’ “ULABRAND” by Alan Wilson is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
    The character achieved greater fame in the 1960s TV show which ran for six series from 1962 to 1969 with Simon Templar played by Roger Moore.

    ‘Return of the Saint’ appeared on TV screens in 1978 and 1979 for one series with the lead role this time filled by Ian Ogilvy.

    In relation to 333 Squadron the unit stated: “it was not until the early 1980s one can say with certainty that the figure appears on clothing – and later on aircraft – of 333 Squadron. At the time, crew 8 designed crew patches in which the saint figured. For a long time, ‘Saint’ had already been used as the squadron’s callsign and the callsign formed the basis for the crew 8 patch.” Exactly when ‘Saint’ was first used as a callsign is unclear though it stretches back at least as far as the mid-1970s.”

    Norway’s fleet of Boeing P-8A Poseidons has replaced the P-3 Orions. The latter aircraft type was based at Andøya Air Base, whereas the Poseidons are housed at Evenes Air Base.
    Norway’s fleet of Boeing P-8A Poseidons has replaced the P-3 Orions. The latter aircraft type was based at Andøya Air Base, whereas the Poseidons are housed at Evenes Air Base. Boeing
    The saint logo adorned the tails of 333 Squadron’s Lockheed P-3 Orions, which were retired after 54 years of service on June 30 this year. The unit now flies a fleet of five Poseidons and the tradition lives on with the saint figure prominently featuring on the tails of these cutting-edge maritime patrol aircraft.

  2. It is “The Saint”, it is the squadron’s “mascot”. It derives from the 60ies tv series The Saint with Roger Moore. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saint_%28TV_series%29](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saint_%28TV_series%29)

    EDIT: I did some googling and the name ‘Saint” is their call sign and probably pre-dates the tv series and perhaps the book. But the logo itself is from the book/tv series.

    More history here: [https://www.key.aero/article/curious-link-between-roger-moore-and-norwegian-air-force-squadron](https://www.key.aero/article/curious-link-between-roger-moore-and-norwegian-air-force-squadron)

  3. In addition to what others say they also fly with callsigns beginning with SAINT and a number to denote the pilot, eg. SAINT33.

    Other notable callsigns in Norway is/were

    – SAVER (SAR)
    – MIXER and HOCUS (military airlift, typically Bell)
    – BRAVE (Lynx, brave people because they land on ships in bad weather). Not sure if NH-90 ever flew under that callsign. Considering how much snag they had I’m sure you’d have to be brave too, but callsign LATE or SHIT would have been more appropriate, but probably a bit demoralizing.
    – HUSKY (C-130)
    – RAVEN (DA-20)
    – DOLLY (test flights)

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