Wallbangers Swap Aircraft with Liberty Bells
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100313-05
Release Date: 3/13/2010 6:32:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joseph H. Moon, USS Nimitz Public Affairs
WESTERN PACIFIC – (NNS) -- The "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 completed an aircraft swap of E-2C Hawkeyes with the Atsugi, Japan-based, VAW-115 "The Liberty Bells", March 1.
"This is an uncommon aircraft swap," said Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (AW) Thomas Hebert, VAW-117 maintenance control chief. "We're swapping a whole squadron, basically giving the forward deployed squadron the better, more up-to-date aircraft."
"The Liberty Bells" received updated Hawkeyes because the aircraft are equipped with new and improved systems making the aircraft easier to maintain for their maintenance department, as well as giving their aircrew improved abilities to complete their missions, said Ensign Jesse Epp, VAW-117 assistant maintenance officer
"The process started over a year ago," said Epp. "One of the biggest difference regarding this swap, is we are receiving a different model of the same aircraft. The main differences are in the systems, but the transfer was affected by the differences in parts and equipment used to support them."
Previously, VAW-117 had Hawkeye 2000 aircraft, they now have Group II NAV-upgraded Aircraft, said Epp. Both types of Hawkeye are designed to do the same mission, said Epp. VAW-117 will retain similar capabilities, just with older aircraft, he said.
"Our aircrew and maintainers will adapt to the older systems, many of which they are not familiar with," said Epp. "However, it will not affect our ability to accomplish the mission, we have an outstanding group of Sailors at VAW-117 that will adapt and overcome any challenges these aircraft pose."
VAW-117 maintainers are ready to tackle the inspections of the oncoming aircraft, regardless of the age of the planes.
"It calls for a special inspection of the aircraft, and it's time consuming, and pretty important to the maintainers to get everything right the first time," said Hebert.
A combination of the age of these Hawkeyes and the familiarization process has maintainers prepared for additional work, said Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class (AW) Jason Nieva, power plants leading petty officer.
"The work load will increase because there will be a lot of inspections involved, and a lot of maintenance," said Nieva.
The Wallbangers are very familiar with a heavy work load, keeping the Hawkeyes they sent to the Liberty Bells in top shape while still flying Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 missions.
"It's a long, tedious process," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW) Lamar Stevens, assistant leading petty officer. "It's not a hard process to do, but being that we have to support the flight schedule everyday, that makes it a lot more difficult."
Nimitz continues her routine deployment in the Western Pacific in support of the maritime strategy.
Nimitz CSG is comprised of USS Nimitz, embarked Carrier Air Wing 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin. Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include the destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Sampson and the frigate USS Rentz.
Squadrons from CVW-11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA-14, the "Warhawks" of VFA-97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.
Helicopter detachments include the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL-43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL-45, the "Scorpions" of HSL-49 and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge.
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