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C-130 Carries the Load for NAVCENT

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060920-09
Release Date: 9/20/2006 12:40:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher T. Smith, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 54 is scheduled to relieve VR-55, Oct. 2, and will assume responsibilities operating the Navy C-130 "Hercules" detachment based at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain’s aviation unit.

The Navy detachment’s lone C-130 operates nearly every day and is U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s (NAVCENT) workhorse in transporting cargo and personnel to various deployed units, said Cmdr. Edward Simila, VR liaison to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 53.

“Forty percent of NAVCENT’s air cargo is moved by this one C-130,” said Simila. “I think that’s a pretty impressive testament to how important that airplane is to our AOR.”

NAVCENT also relies on multiple U.S. Air Force and contract aircraft to move supplies and passengers throughout U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility (AOR).

Because the C-130 is needed around the clock, two air crews are assigned to the aircraft. That manning gives the C-130 24-hour capability.

“Twenty-four hour capability means while one crew is flying, the other is resting,” said Master Chief Avionics Technician (AW/NAC) Ellen Conn, VR maintenance liaison to CTF 53. “When the plane comes back, the [other] air crew gets on and keeps the plane flying. That happens on a relatively regular basis.”

As a flight engineer and air crew member, Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Brandon Nill helps keep the C-130 in the air. Even though his routine in the aircraft is similar from flight to flight, Nill feels good knowing his role in transporting supplies is vital to the service members who need the equipment.

“I’m proud to serve in this evolution,” said Nill. “Although it’s the same scenery for me in the cockpit everyday, the only thing that matters is that these troops get what they need.”

Troops wouldn’t get what they need without an operational aircraft, and with the C-130’s busy flight schedule, there’s a greater demand for maintenance. Although the aircraft boasts two air teams, one crew of seven maintainers ensure NAVCENT’s prime mover doesn’t miss a beat.

“Their hands are really full with making sure the plane is always ready to fly,” said Conn. “They work long hours in a very hot environment. The plane has never been late. It hasn’t missed a flight. They’re doing an outstanding job.”

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Wayne Hill is one of those maintainers. Hill said although the work is challenging, it’s worth it because he gets to see the results of his efforts.

“I feel honored to do this job,” he said. “It keeps me motivated every day knowing I’m making a contribution to my country.”

After three months of dedicated service, the VR-55 “Minutemen” will go back to their home station of Point Mugu, Calif., and the “Revelers” of VR-54 will take over the C-130 detachment for 90 days. The “Revelers,” based at Naval Air Station, New Orleans, will then shoulder the responsibility of keeping the C-130’s flights on time, every time.