Always Mission Ready – Air Test Evaluation Squadron One Supports Gray Flag

Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 2nd Class Steve Dua stands in front of an E-2D Hawkeye attached to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1. As a qualified plane captain, he has many responsibilities such as daily maintenance and servicing the aircraft to ensure it is mission-ready. Currently, he is overseeing an E-2 on the ground, conducting pre-flight inspections and coordinating with the pilots and the maintenance crew.

On an active flight line, voice communication is impossible—but words aren't necessary. VX-1 crews rely on a standardized, visual vocabulary to launch their aircraft safely and on schedule. Dua rapidly spins his right arm in a circle to signal to the pilots inside the E-2D Hawkeye to start the propellers, or props. The left turbo propeller's engine hums as the prop starts spinning through the humid southern California haze. Dua signals for the next propeller to start. The propulsion force from both props cause the aircraft to shake side-to-side pulling sternly at the chains attaching its underside down to the deck. The propellers at full blast resemble a loud hum like a swarm of angry killer bees. The aircraft is affectionately nicknamed, “The Hummer.”

“The experience of being a plane captain is unreal,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 3rd Class Steve Dua. “We have to rely on our hand signals because the propellers are so loud.”

Pre-flight checks require coordinated efforts between the plane captain, the pilot, and the maintenance crew. Sailors assigned to VX-1’s E-2 maintenance detachment (DET 3) are stationed around the aircraft and wait for signals from Dua. A Sailor on the aircrafts aft verifies operation of the four vertical stabilizers and three movable rudders. These are uniquely adapted to maintain directional stability under the disturbed airflow caused by the E-2's large 24-foot overhead radar rotodome. The Sailor gives the thumbs up to Dua after he visually confirms the checks. Sailors on the left and right of the aircraft fold out the 80 feet 7-inch wings. Other assigned Sailors swiftly duck under the aircraft and remove chains that anchor the aircraft to the flightline. The E-2 begins to taxi for takeoff guided by Dua, who directed the entire process. He salutes the pilots as he enthusiastically sends them.

“Being a plane captain means I’m responsible for the safety of others,” said Dua. “Part of my job is communicating everything the pilot says to the ground crew and what the ground says up to the pilots.”

The E-2D is the Navy’s all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning, command and control aircraft. The E-2 is a twin engine, five crewmember, high-wing turboprop aircraft with a 24-foot diameter radar rotodome attached to the upper fuselage. An integral component of the Carrier Strike Group air wing, the E-2 uses computerized radar, Identification Friend or Foe and electronic surveillance sensors to provide early warning, threat analysis against potentially hostile air and surface targets. The E-2s turbo-prop engine and mission capabilities make it a unique addition to a carrier group as it provides real time information on adversaries from its high perch with a maximum ceiling of 30,000 feet above the clouds.

During Gray Flag, a large test event and joint force exercise, VX-1 detached its E-2Ds with DET 3 to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu from Sept 10-25. VX-1 reviews and disseminates new anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare tactics and procedures for fleet use, serving as the model manager for all such tactical publications and implementation into fleet forces. Gray Flag, hosted by Naval Test Wing Pacific and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9, is a unique opportunity to introduce and integrate new mission systems between early warning and strike fighter platforms.

VX-1’s role as the eyes in the sky was integral to the air wing’s aircraft’s ability to perform realistic maneuvers simulating aerial maritime combat scenarios NBVC Point Mugu’s location along the pacific coast provides access to a 36,000 square-mile sea and air space which is critical for testing and evaluating emerging technology in a realistic maritime environment.

The E-2 test program at VX-1 is managed by E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231). They manage acquisition, development, and sustainment of the E-2 platform. The E-2D Delta System Software Configuration (DSSC) Build 5.1 is in operational testing, and Gray Flag is a critical component of that testing. PMA-231 is ultimately accountable for fielding the system. The E-2 test program at VX-1 is managed by E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231). They manage acquisition, development, and sustainment of the E-2 platform. The E-2D Delta System Software Configuration (DSSC) Build 5.1 is in operational testing, and Gray Flag is a critical component of that testing. PMA-231 is ultimately accountable for fielding the system.

“We deliver airborne command and control systems to equip the Carrier Strike Group to command the battlespace even when communications are disrupted,” said PMA-231 leadership. “The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye empowers our warfighters to detect, decide and communicate faster than any adversary. By sustaining these aircraft at combat speed and leveraging the warfighting acquisition system, we ensure these platforms deliver a decisive advantage to achieve peace through strength.”

“Gray Flag provides an important opportunity to hone the capabilities of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and set the stage for future developments. Our Sailors’ tireless efforts on the ground, our aircrew’s commitment to extensive flight operations, and the dedicated support of the PMA-231 team make this possible,” said Capt. John Coleman, commanding officer of VX-1. “This effort advances a core objective of operational test – prevent discovery in combat.”

<br> Released

Lt Pearce Phinney

mailto:vx1_paxr_pao@navy.mil

301-757-1453

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