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Whidbey Island Tests New Shelters for Aircraft

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070110-02
Release Date: 1/10/2007 12:42:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bruce McVicar, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) began a year-long test of new aircraft shelters Jan. 1, as part of Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) corrosion prevention program.

Two shelters were placed on the flight line around Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 in December.

“We will park the same airplane under the shelter when it isn’t in the hangar or flying,” said Lt. Cmdr. Denis Tremblay, maintenance officer for VAQ 129. “NAVAIR will test the aircraft for corrosion during selected times over the course of a year.”

NAVAIR’s goal for this program is to prove the benefits of the shelter's corrosion protection and reduce overall maintenance costs. The structures have sensors installed to check the rate loss of metal over a period of time.

“The shelter will help fight the effects of corrosion on the aircraft,” said Airman Nicole Kirkendall.

According to NAVAIR, NASWI has a high corrosive index in comparison to other airfields in the Pacific Fleet and aircraft stationed there are prime candidates to benefit from sheltering. One shelter is also being used as a wash rack for the EA-6B Prowler aircraft.

“I have tried for years to get some type of sheltering for the Sailors working in the elements on the flight line,” said Tremblay. “These shelters will be a great asset for all the Prowler squadrons at Whidbey Island.”

“The shelter stops the wind from blowing the soap everywhere during a plane wash,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Tom Armitage. “It allows the soap to soak in better, which improves the overall wash.”

“I washed a plane last night under the shelter,” said Airman Cameron Price. “It kept the rain off and reduced the wind from blowing soap in [my] eyes.”

The military uses these hangars all over the world in all weather conditions, protecting Sailors and aircraft from snow, wind, rain, and sun. The shelter can be erected without footings or foundations on any type of surface and are portable.

“When washing a plane at night the shelter reflects light, making it easier to see,” added Armitage.

The structures are built-to-last using heavy-gauge tubing and a high-quality plastic membrane to provide years of maintenance-free life. NAVAIR will evaluate the impact on aircraft corrosion and assess aircraft performance compared with sensor data collected this year.