Month: November 2024

Source: United States Navy

This event was part of the squadron’s transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to be completed in mid-2025.

VAW-123’s other two E-2C were transferred to VAW-120 Fleet Replacement Squadron to be used for training the next generation of Hawkeye pilots. For more than 50 years, the E-2C has provided the Navy’s command and control capabilities.

Lt. Terrance Lawrence, assigned to VAW-123, was one of the pilots chosen to deliver an E-2C to the boneyard. The squadron first received the E-2C in November 1973. Since then, this platform has been used for sea and land-based military operations, search and rescue missions, drug interdiction, humanitarian efforts and disaster relief.

Lawrence, a naval aviator since 2021, had not experienced delivering an aircraft to its final resting place.

“It was something that I knew not a lot of other aviators get to do; it is pretty rare that you get to participate in this type of flight,” Lawrence said. “This was a special and unique opportunity that does not come up often. I volunteered immediately.”

Lt. Avesta Shwany, also of VAW-123, flew the second E-2C and reflected on the experience for her and her crew upon departing Norfolk for the boneyard.

“Getting to be a part of the last crew was incredibly bittersweet,” Shwany said. “This aircraft carries a lot of memories to so many aircrew members, especially from this most recent deployment to the Red Sea.”

Shwany added that the aircraft had seen combat and played a vital role in many missions.

“Taking this aircraft to the boneyard signified the end of an era, and the beginning of our delta transition. I think everyone was surprised with how emotional we were dropping her off and saying our goodbyes,” Shwany said.

Lawrence said he was proud to be the last person to fly the E-2C for his squadron. The aircrew that accompanied both aircraft to Tucson took the opportunity to mark their place in history by ceremoniously signing the inside of the aircraft as a final farewell.

“This aircraft meant a lot,” Lawrence said. “I was sentimental about it, especially after spending nine months flying it in the Red Sea.”

The 10 aircrew who participated in the nearly six-hour flight to the boneyard, took time to tap the side of the aircraft, as they said their farewell before transferring it to the staff at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

“This plane has all of these stories associated with it especially just after deployment,” Lawrence added. VAW-123 was deployed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and returned from a nine-month deployment in July 2024.

The crew also had an opportunity to step back in time and witness aviation history.

“We toured the boneyard, which has over 4,000 aircraft stored,” Lawrence said. “I am proud to be one of the last pilots to be part of that aircraft’s history.”

With VAW-123 marking its transition to the E-2D, west-coast based VAW-116 is the only fleet squadron in the Navy flying the E-2C until its scheduled sundown.

Lawrence said he looks forward to flying the E-2D which features a state-of-the-art radar with upgraded capabilities and aircraft systems that improve supportability and increase readiness. The E-2D enhances operational capabilities by increasing time on station allowing for extended range from the carrier, increased persistence and operational flexibility.

Source: United States Navy

“Ensure you are in proper flight deck gear – sleeves rolled down and goggles on,” Voss continued. The flight deck crew of George Washington and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 responded immediately, assuming their positions across the flight deck. “All right, heads up on the flight deck. We’ve got a ‘Lightning’ on a three-mile approach,” Voss warned, referring to an incoming F-35C Lightning II Strike Fighter.

Every Sailor on deck recognized the callsign “Lightning.” This particular aircraft, from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 the “Argonauts,” would soon make history as the first forward-deployed F-35C to land on the George Washington. Sailors, clad in bright flight deck jerseys of varying colors, waited in anticipation; they knew this marked the start of a new chapter for both CVW-5 and George Washington. Together, they form “Team Badman,” a powerhouse of naval aviation in the Indo-Pacific.

As the F-35C approached, Sailors from across the ranks shared a singular focus— safe air warfare operations. The integration of seven air wing squadrons is the continuing effort to ensure the ongoing success of Navy’s mission to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, CVW-5 recently rejoined George Washington for their first round of air operations together since 2015, returning with an upgraded lineup that includes the sleek F-35C supersonic stealth strike fighter. VFA-147 first operated F-35Cs on George Washington earlier this year during a Southern Seas deployment in U.S. 4th Fleet, allowing the crew to familiarize themselves with the fifth-generation fighter, a carrier-based variant of the F-35 with adaptations such as foldable wingtip sections and stronger landing gear.

Among the diverse lineup of aircraft, there are familiar sights to seasoned flight deck Sailors. The E/A-18G Growler, known affectionately as “Grizzly,” and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, or “Rhino,” continue to dominate the skies and serve as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s strike fighter capabilities. CVW-5 boasts three Super Hornet squadrons, each a welcome return to the flight operations family.

“Alright folks, the ‘Lightning’ is on a one-mile straight-in approach,” said Voss as the aircraft neared. On deck, the Sailors snapped into their positions with razor-sharp focus, prepared for the familiar groove of flight operations. The sound of the F-35C’s engine reverberated through the hull and the bones of every Sailor on deck as it touched down. The tailhook grabbed an arresting wire with a metallic screech, signaling the start of the second round of flight operations aboard George Washington.

“The [F-35] is bringing brand new capabilities the air wing,” said Capt. Patrick Corrigan, Commander, CVW-5. “The stealth capabilities and sensor fusion is something everyone is talking about, and we have integrated the airwing around the F-35 as much as we have integrated the F-35 around the airwing, making us all together more lethal.”

The E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the Tigertails of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 125, is another indispensable player in the air wing.

“We’ve also picked up brand new hawkeyes,” said Corrigan. “The big advantages with the new E-2D model is the air refueling capability and immense sensor upgrade.”

The E-2 aircraft are often described as a “mother bear” circling protectively above the fleet, the E-2D provides long-range threat detection and situational awareness.

From strike, airborne early warning, to carrier onboard delivery, CVW-5 returns with a number of upgrades. On the flight deck aboard George Washington, another unique aircraft began its approach.

“Heads up on the flight deck!” Lt. Cmdr. Franklin Santiago, the ship’s aircraft handler, warned over the intercom. “We’ve got an Osprey coming in on Spot Nine.”

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRM) 30 Detachment 5 began operating the CMV-22B Osprey on George Washington in July, delivering essential supplies and performing deck landing qualification during the day and night.

“The air wing has recently upgraded to become the air wing of the future,” said Corrigan. “We recently picked up the CMV-22B Osprey, a brand new aircraft, which means more reliability to replace the C-2 Greyhounds’ carrier onboard delivery mission set.”

The Osprey’s distinctive tri-rotor hum filled the air as flight deck personnel swiftly cleared the landing zone. A landing signalman enlisted (LSE) guided the Osprey to a smooth vertical rolling landing, no arresting wires needed, a welcome change from its predecessor.

“The Osprey brings a brand new capability that we haven’t had before,” said Corrigan “Its vertical lift and landing capability without the need for catapults or arresting wires is a game changer.”

The Osprey’s rotors then shifted from 90 to 45 degrees.

“Heads up on the flight deck, heads up! We got an Osprey moving forward to take off,” said Santiago. “Stand clear of the foul line and watch out for propwash.”

The LSE signaled for the aircraft to rise, demonstrating its vertical takeoff capability. Moments later, the Osprey soared into the sky, quickly transforming into a turbo-prop aircraft capable of reaching 300 mph.

As the day’s operations wound down, Santiago called out again. “Heads up! Helicopters inbound! Last birds for the day.”

An MH-60S Seahawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 approached in its typical steady fashion, following the LSE’s hand signals. These helicopters and its naval aircrewmen are constantly on standby during flight operations, ready for search and rescue missions or to provide protection against any maritime threats.

Nearby Sailors watched with bated breath as the MH-60S teased a landing. It touched down on its rear landing gear and settled right on the marked squares with the kind of precision that marks the signature of Navy pilots. Another Seahawk, this one an MH-60R attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, followed suit. The MH-60R specializes in anti-submarine warfare and safeguards the fleet from undersea threats.

With the final helicopters safely on deck, flight deck personnel began shutting down operations. As jets and helicopters powered down, the sound of spinning rotors and jet engines faded, signaling the end of a successful day for Team Badman.

“What makes the Badman team stand out is that we are permanently forward deployed to the Indo-Pacific,” said Corrigan. “This is a dynamic region and maintaining a high state of warfighting readiness is crucial. We have upgraded to the air wing of the future.”

Source: United States Navy

This year, more than 3,000 personnel units from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force participated in Gray Flag to conduct more than 60 test initiatives. The complex event featured approximately 600 aircraft sorties and more than 26 unique systems under test on the ground.

The Point Mugu Sea Range, which is a 36,000 square miles of instrumented sea and airspace operated by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), provided a unique location for Gray Flag’s multi-domain, joint test requirements. Leveraging Live, Virtual, and Constructive test elements allowed more complicated, modern warfighting problems to be modeled, tested, and addressed during Gray Flag.

“Gray Flag 2024 was an opportunity to bring together a diverse group of participants from different branches of the military, academic partners, science and technology leaders, and allied partners,” said Naval Test Wing Pacific commodore Capt. David Halpern.

“The broad scope of participants allowed us to test and evaluate our systems and how they interact with one another in an operationally relevant environment,” he added. “This was the most expansive interoperability event to date, with the data captured informing requirements, tactics, techniques, and procedures for future kill chains.”

The inclusion of multiple allied partners during Gray Flag 2024 was critical to ensuring the test event represented how the Navy operates.

“Our nation’s success in future conflicts depends on how well we can integrate and jointly operate with our allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Keith Hash, NAWCWD commander and Naval Air Systems Command’s Chief of Test. “The CNO said it best in NAVPLAN 2024: The U.S. Navy fights in a warfighting ecosystem. As we continue to deter aggression and protect the freedom of the seas, we aren’t operating alone. We shouldn’t test alone either.”

Source: United States Navy

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – One of the six business lines under the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) is a worldwide hospitality component, managed by the NEXCOM Hospitality Group. Building on its hospitality experience, NEXCOM Hospitality Group is rebranding its portfolio of Navy Lodge and Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) properties to reflect best commercial practices, elevate the guest experience, work more efficiently and position these locations as the preferred choice in accommodation for military personnel, Department of Defense travelers and their families.

“As we embark on this journey to modernize our brand, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality to our service members, their families and all who serve our country,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM.

As part of this initiative, all NEXCOM Hospitality Group brands will undergo a refresh. During 2024, NGIS will begin rebranding as “Navy Inn,” featuring a new name and logo along with modern design elements and amenities. Additionally, in 2025, a new brand, “Navy Inn Crew Stay,” will be introduced at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, followed by a second location at Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa, Japan, with future locations under development. Finally, Navy Lodge will undergo a logo redesign as part of this rebranding effort.

The first Navy Inn prototype will make its debut at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 7, 2024. This ‘soft launch’ offers NEXCOM Hospitality Group a valuable opportunity to appraise various elements of the rebrand, from refined materials, vibrant color schemes and associate uniforms to a captivating Lone Sailor display, enhanced lighting and inviting lobby features—including a distinctive heritage wall. Guests will also find updated guest amenities with eco-friendly premium in-room bath amenities, plush Harbor Home towels alongside designated workspace and complimentary Wi-Fi, all crafted to offer an unparalleled hospitality experience.

Navy Inn Crew Stay lodging will provide lodging for Sailors on long-term mission stays. It will synchronize the strength of naval traditions with comfortable accommodations and functional spaces that will provide active, front-line Sailors a port of tranquility. Navy Inn Crew Stay locations will boast cutting-edge gaming rooms, personal hubs with comfortable seating and ample lighting for recharging and productivity and hydration stations with ice and filtered water.

Navy Lodges will continue to provide spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, premium mattress and bedding and  eco-friendly in-room bath amenities all while prioritizing  renewable materials whenever possible.

“The rebranding of Navy Lodges, Navy Gateway Inns & Suites and the launch of Navy Inns is a strategic decision to align our services with modern hospitality standards, ensuring that we continue to provide unparalleled comfort and support to our military community,” explained Ronald Loman, Senior Vice President, NEXCOM Hospitality Group. “We are confident that this focus will help enhance guest satisfaction and brand loyalty at all our locations around the globe.”

NEXCOM Hospitality Group is comprised of 36 Navy Lodge and 59 NGIS locations that offer guests award-winning hospitality and empowers mission readiness by providing exceptional, high-quality accommodations worldwide, while optimizing government travel budget savings. Last year, NEXCOM lodging facilities sold nearly 4.1 million room-nights, saving the Navy and Department of Defense official travelers over $165 million.