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Reservists Support Forward-Deployed Combat Aviation Repair Missions

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090818-17
Release Date: 8/18/2009 10:28:00 PM

By Lt. Cmdr. Mike Randazzo, Naval Air Systems Command Public Affairs

MINNEAPOLIS (NNS) -- Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Reserve Program (NRP) Sailors are preparing, or are already forward-deployed, to assist with the sustainment of naval aviation missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Storekeeper Senior Chief Petty Officer Dana Lyon, an NRP member, recently returned from a nine-month deployment after being recalled to active duty and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, in October 2008.

Lyon is part of a highly trained cadre of 250 officers and enlisted personnel who apply their unique blend of civilian and military experience to support the full spectrum of naval aviation engineering, development, testing, evaluation, in-service support and program management activities.

Lyon is currently assigned to support NRP's Forward Deployed Combat Repair (FDCR) mission, Detachment Bravo, which is based at the Minneapolis Naval Operational Service Center.

The FDCR mission includes an expeditionary element that assists in maintaining coalition aircraft as part of ongoing in-service repair, aircraft battle damage repair and aircraft service and inspection efforts.

The deployed FDCR command is comprised of mobilized Reservists and Navy civilians who are also serving in Iraq as a means to reduce the cost associated with transporting aircraft back and forth to one of the three aviation depot-level maintenance facilities located in the United States.

"Our team in Iraq delivers valuable mission support with highly qualified aviation maintenance and logistics professionals who possess specific skill sets that seamlessly align with the naval aviation mission," said Capt. Bill Hendricks, Lyon's commanding officer.

"It's truly been an honor to serve with Senior Chief Lyon and to have him on the NAVAIR Reserve team."

Lyon grew up in Minneapolis and graduated in 1984 from South High School. He joined the Navy and trained to become an aviation storekeeper, serving on active duty until 1997.

While on active duty, he served aboard USS San Diego (AFS-6), F-14 Tomcat Fighter Squadron 14, the "Tophatters" and Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Fla., where he managed F-18 parts and equipment.

Lyon has served 11 years in the Reserve, for a total of 18 years of combined service.

"I am honored to wear the uniform of the nation and to be able to make a meaningful and measurable difference to the NAVAIR mission," Lyon said.