Vol.

8
Issue 1

In this issue:

Celebrating the Year of the Hawkeye

E-2D Multiyear Procurement Contract Awarded
Navy Finishes C-2 Propeller Installation
Plus:
The Captains Link
Meet the Crew
Around the Fleet
NAVAIR Public Release SPR-2014-918
Distribution: Statement A - Approved for
public release; distribution is unlimited.
(U.S. Navy photo by Erik Hildebrandt /Released)

Eyes of the
Fleet for
50 Years:
PMA-231
Celebrates
the Year of
the
Hawkeye
Story by: Elizabeth Fahrner

On Jan. 19, 1964, the U.S. Navy

delivered the first E-2 Hawkeye aircraft
to Carrier Airborne Early Warning
Squadron (VAW) 11, becoming the
Navys primary specifically designed
all-weather, carrier-based airborne
early warning, command and control
aircraft. This year PMA-231 celebrated
the 50th anniversary of the delivery
and designated 2014 as the Year of
the Hawkeye. Throughout the year,
PMA-231 highlighted the E-2 Hawkeye
through special events, videos, photos
and articles, culminating in the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye achieving Initial
Operational Capability (IOC) on Oct. 10.
IOC signifies that the first operational
squadron, VAW-125, is manned,
trained, equipped and ready to start
deployment preparation with E-2D
aircraft.
Its an exciting time for the E-2
community! Capt. John Lemmon,
PMA-231 program manager, said.
The E-2 Hawkeye has served
as the eyes of the fleet
for the last 50 years.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will

continue this legacy as the newest
variant of the E-2 aircraft platform with
its upgraded radar system, mission
computer,
communication
suite
and the incorporation of an all-glass
cockpit and tactical fourth operator
display.
The E-2D joins the E-2C Group II and
Hawkeye 2000 in providing command
and control capability to coordinate
multiple missions, including air warfare,
strike warfare, surface warfare and
search and rescue operations. Acting
as a digital quarterback, the E-2
scans the environment with its onboard sensors and processes this
data with its tactical mission computer.
It distributes the tactical picture to
command centers and other assets
through its on-board communication
subsystems. The Navy also utilizes this
capability to participate in humanitarian
and disaster relief operations.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is slated
to deploy with the first operational
squadron, VAW-125, in calendar
year 2015. For more information on
the Year of the Hawkeye, including
an anniversary logo and video, visit
http://www.navair.navy.mil/Hawkeye.

NEXT
PAGE

page

The Captains Link

supporting PMA-231, communication between the
E-2/C-2 fleet, our resource sponsors and program
office is paramount.
This publication captures some of your successes
in 2014and there have been quite a few! These
achievements include the designation of VAW125 as Ready for Tasking for E-2D operations
(page 7), completion of the NP2000 installation on
all C-2 aircraft (page 4), and the E-2D multiyear
procurement contract award (page 3). Throughout
these past months, weve also celebrated the Year
of the Hawkeye by highlighting the 50th anniversary
of the first delivery of the E-2, while continuing
to support the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, E-2C
Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound (page 1).
Your hard work culminated in the interoperable,
affordable E-2D weapon system achieving Initial
Operational Capability (IOC) on Oct. 10. Currently,
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1)
is conducting Follow-on Operational Test and
Evaluation of Delta System/Software Configuration
Build 1 for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The E-2D
is also participating in live fire Naval Integrated
Fire Control-Counter Air test events and our team
is evaluating the integration of elements in the kill
chain, such as various data links and Cooperative
Engagement Capability (CEC). The E-2D has
The Kneeboard is an avenue for communication successfully participated in seven system-ofwithin the E-2/C-2 community that enables us systems, end-to-end events testing the From the Air
to be more closely connected. This biannual and From the Sea kill chains.
newsletter features articles on program
milestones, new aircraft initiatives, fleet There are many achievements and ongoing
happenings and insight from leadership. projects to be proud of, but theres always room
With more than 700 people around the U.S. for improvement. With an increase in testing on the
It has been a fast-paced and productive year,
and I want to begin by thanking you for your
tireless efforts. I cant overstate my gratitude
for this teams determination, passion and
commitment. The E-2/C-2 community is
comprised of people who are actively engaged
and truly care about our mission to support
Airborne Early Warning (VAW) and Carrierbased Logistics (VRC) squadronsthis reflects
well on you as individuals and on all of us as an
organization.

E-2D, PMA-231 is researching how to better equip

operational and test squadrons with available
spare parts. We are coordinating with Naval
Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Defense
Logistics Agency and other organizations to
solidify contracts addressing supply support. The
program office is also working with the squadrons
and Fleet Readiness Centers to increase E-2 and
C-2 aircraft availability by reducing downtime for
maintenance.
Additionally, we are continuously improving the
reliability of components, especially the APS-145
radar. Within the last couple of years, PMA-231 has
redesigned and updated six weapons replaceable
assemblies (WRA) in this radar, improving the
expected reliability of some WRAs by 1000
percent or more. Efforts like this demonstrate that
our actions are in line with the words we express
about our goal to sustain mission relevance for
our aircraft. By always looking for ways to improve
reliability, we decrease cost per flight hour and
provide fleet maintainers and operators more time
to focus on other responsibilities to make their
squadron more efficient and effective. The fleet is
our No. 1 priority and we are always looking to
develop rapid and innovative solutions to meet its
needs.
Effective communication is a key ingredient to
supporting the fleetwe want fleet feedback on all
type model series in our inventory. As a program
office, we have several touch points with the fleet.
E-2 and C-2 squadrons can document hardware
and publication deficiencies through the Joint
Deficiency Reporting System (JDRS). Recently,

the program adapted this tool to enable users

to report software issues as well. These reports
are used to support funding requests for issues
that are hurting the fleets head. In October, we
held a Program Sustainment Review (PSR). The
program office and fleet discussed challenges and
success stories regarding supply, training, support
equipment, funding and other areas. The PSR
and JDRS allow Greyhound and Hawkeye team
members to share information and solve problems
in a unified manner.
Going forward, we will continue to tackle
milestones as a team! We must learn from
our experiences and accomplishments, and
continue to communicate ways to improve. With
the E-2D achieving IOC and a team of people
committed to ensuring the fleet has safe, capable
and sustainable aircraft, the horizon is shining
brightly. Im proud to be a member of a community
that enables the Navys eye in the sky and
workhorse to provide dominant and continuous
airborne network-centric, interoperable command
and control to the carrier strike group. Thank
you for your continued dedication to the E-2/C-2
mission! I look forward to exceeding expectations
with you while staying focused on improving the
impact our capabilities have on the fleet.
Be passionate! Be committed! Care!
CAPT John Chet Lemmon

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

PMA-231
Awards E-2D
Advanced
Hawkeye
Multiyear
Procurement
Contract
Story by: Elizabeth Fahrner

(U.S. Navy photo by Erik

Hildebrandt /Released)

he E-2/C-2 program office

awarded a $3.643 billion
multiyear contract to Northrop
Grumman Corporation for the
procurement of 25 E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye aircraft on June 30,
2014. This five-year contract is for
the purchase of full rate production
(FRP) E-2D aircraft, Lots 2 through
6, during fiscal year 2014 through
fiscal year 2018. By entering into
a multiyear procurement (MYP)
contract instead of multiple singleyear contracts, the Navy saved
approximately $369 million.
The multiyear contract award
increases the affordability of
the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye,
achieving the best price with
taxpayer dollars, said Capt.

John Lemmon, PMA-231 program

manager. PMA-231 is committed
to providing the warfighter with this
interoperable weapon system; the
program offices unified mission
focus and expertise will enable
the E-2D aircraft to meet initial
operational capability at the start
of next fiscal year.
Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition,
Technology
and
Logistics, Frank Kendall, gave
PMA-231 approval May 15 in an
Acquisition Defense Memorandum
to proceed with a MYP contract
award for 25 FRP E-2D Advanced

Hawkeye aircraft. Kendall also

designated the E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye an Acquisition Category
(ACAT) IC program and delegated
Milestone Decision Authority to the
Navy, giving the Navy the program
oversight and authority to approve
the purchase of aircraft under the
program of record, which includes
FRP Lots 2 through 11.
This success is a reflection
of
PMA-231s
continually
impressive teamwork, competence
and transparency, and yet another
reason I am so proud to be part
of this team, said Lemmon. The
teams efforts instilled
confidence in Navy
leadership that

this long-term contract is a good

investment for the taxpayer and will
continue to benefit the warfighter.
The MYP contract award was a
culmination of successful contract
milestones and a product of five
years of planning, scheduling, cost
analyses and coordination. The
program office began preparing
for the MYP in June 2009 after
the Under Secretary of Defense
approved the programs entry into
low-rate initial production. After this
decision, the program continued
to
apply
sound
acquisition
and contracting strategies to
successfully achieve cost savings.
The MYP enables the Navy to
continue to equip the carrier strike
group with the next generation of
the E-2 and save the DoD millions
of dollars, said Lemmon. The men
and women of PMA-231 recognize
this and its because of their hard
work the fleet will receive an aircraft
that will completely revolutionize
the carrier strike groups ability to
see and relay the tactical picture.

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

Propelled to Power:
Navy completes new propeller
installation on Greyhound

the NP2000 on the last of its 35 C-2A

Greyhound aircraft in March. This feat
followed the installation of the system
on 68 E-2C Hawkeye aircraft from 2004
to 2009. After 10 years, the entire C-2
and E-2 fleet is now fitted with these new
propellers.

The C-2 is the link in the logistics chain that

connects an aircraft carrier to most everything
it needs while far from shore, but it is also
more than that. Its at times the only way to
get a Sailor with a major injury or a critical
family emergency off of the ship quickly. Its
also in part an ambassador for the carrier air
wing and the Navy as it picks up distinguished
visitors from around the globe, said Lt. Cmdr.
Matt Blazel, PMA-231 Propulsion and Power
IPT lead and C-2 pilot.

The NP2000, a digitally-controlled

propeller system built by Hamilton
Sundstrand (HS), replaces the hydromechanically controlled, four-bladed
propellers previously installed on all
Greyhound aircraft. The NP2000 enables
the C-2 aircraft to more efficiently
provide critical logistics support to carrier
strike groups.

This link in the logistics chain threatened to

break when the aircrafts propeller system
faced obsolescence. The HS Model 54460,
the legacy four-bladed propeller system on the
C-2, went out of production in 1994. Without
new propellers in continued production, the
fleet did not have enough spare parts for
future repairs. Propulsion and Power IPT
systems engineer and former NP2000 IPT

Story by: Elizabeth Fahrner

ast year, Fleet Logistics Support

Squadron Four Zero (VRC-40), one
of the Navys two operational C-2A
Greyhound squadrons, transported
more than 1.5 million pounds of cargo
and mail, and almost 9,700 passengers.
It also completed an important upgrade
to its propulsion system this March,
enabling it to continue as the workhorse
of the fleet.
The C-2A Greyhound is equipped with
the New Propeller 2000 (NP2000)
eight-bladed system an upgrade that
makes the Carrier Onboard Delivery
aircraft more reliable and cost-efficient.
PMA-231 oversaw the installation of

Link in the Logistics Chain

Lead Ed Faillace said that a dwindling supply

of propellers, combined with reliability and
obsolescence concerns with the old system,
prompted the C-2 propeller replacement.

Once Hamilton Sundstrand stopped
producing the HS Model 54460, we were
concerned that our supply of blades would
run out. Also, the old system was one of the
aircrafts top degraders due to component
reliability issues and maintenance costs,
said Faillace.
We decided to replace the legacy prop, a
purely mechanical system whose technology
dated back to World War II, with the latest
composite blade materials and new electronic
control system.

Spinning into Action

The NP2000 IPT oversaw the implementation
of the system on the C-2 aircraft. This team,
(Cont. on next page)

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Conor Minto/Released)

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

established by PMA-231 as a part of the

Propulsion and Power IPT in the late
1990s, also managed the integration of
the NP2000 on the entire E-2C fleet from
2004 to 2009. NP2000 was utilized as the
baseline propeller system for the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye, too. The NP2000
IPT applied the knowledge it gained from
the E-2 installations to ensure a smooth
integration on the Greyhound. The first
C-2 test aircraft was modified in 2005,
and the first installation was completed in
2008. The program was supported by Air
Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Zero
(VX-20), which tested the system and
helped develop training, and Northrop
Grumman, which performed the actual
installations.

We managed the C-2

prop installation from
concept to completion.
It was a big effort.
We managed the C-2 prop installation
from concept to completion, said Jim
Robbins, Propulsion and Power IPT
lead and former lead logistician for the
NP2000 IPT. To get this brand-new subsystem to the fleet, we had to evaluate
performance of the propellers and engine
power plant, analyze handling qualities,
integrate components, manage support
and logistics, record supply impacts
and thats just part of it. It was a big
effort!
This hard work resulted in a propeller
system that is more reliable, maintainable
and capable, satisfying both aircrew and
fleet.

Any pilot you talk to loves it. Theyd

never go back, said Robbins.

The Positives of the Propeller

NP2000
provides
a
substantial
improvement in reliability. The digitally
controlled system has one-third fewer
parts than its predecessor and replaces
mechanical systems with electronic
components. With this streamlined,
electronic design, the new propeller
has an increased flight time between
failures compared to the legacy system.
Additionally, the new propellers generate
a significantly lower vibration signature,
increasing the reliability of avionics
components. Cmdr. Holly Shoger, PMA231 IPT lead for Modifications and
Sustainment, said the reduced vibration
has also decreased aircrew fatigue.
With the old propeller system, pilots
were under constant stress. Now, the
fleet tells us they are less tired and
strained thanks to reduced vibration and
noise, said Shoger.

C-2 back in service faster.

We eliminated an entire maintenance level
with the NP2000 and, to minimize cost,
pushed as much repair as practical to the
on-wing maintainers. Individual components,
like propeller blades, can be repaired without
removal. Weve also decreased the storage
footprint on the carrier during deployment
because the modular design of NP2000
eliminates the need to stock built-up props,
said Faillace.
The NP2000 enhances the flying performance
of the Greyhound, too. C-2s can leave the
runway in shorter distances with the new
propeller system. According to test results,
the aircrafts field takeoff performance was
improved by up to 11 percent for normal
takeoffs and 17 percent for short field takeoffs.
Once the C-2 is airborne, the NP2000 boosts
the planes ability to gain altitude, improving
its dual-engine time to climb by 21 percent.

This may decrease the amount of fuel needed

by the C-2.
Potential fuel savings, increased reliability,
decreased downtimeNP2000 gives the
fleet all these benefits. Capt. John Lemmon,
PMA-231 program manager and previous
E-2/C-2 NP2000 IPT lead from 2000 to
2003, called these benefits the product of a
system designed, tested and implemented in
response to fleet needs.
Seeing the final NP2000 installation take
place on the C-2 gives me a tremendous
sense of satisfaction and pride in everything
the team has accomplished over the years
for the programs development, testing and
production, said Lemmon. Its nice to see
the successful delivery of this capability to
our fleet. It reinforces the confidence I have in
our acquisition processes to deliver product
that makes a difference for our operators.
Congratulations to the entire team!

Previously, you could feel the vibrations

in your feet through the floor, in the
seats, and in the aircrafts controls. They
were constant, and that feeling wore on
you, said Blazel.
The new system is also easier to
diagnose, repair and replace. Crews
can now run built-in tests to check the
functionality of the system and identify
problems. Previously, maintainers had
to remove the entire propeller system
and send it to a repair facility to replace
or fix components. Now, maintainers
can replace individual propeller blades
and parts, reducing maintenance man
hours by about 24 percent and costs by
60 percent, and ultimately, getting the

Above: PMA-231, Northrop Grumman and fleet representatives, including (front, left to right) Sandi Glenn; Jim Robbins, former
NP2000 IPT lead logistician; Capt. Todd Watkins, former commodore; Cmdr. Mike Bratley, commanding officer of VRC-40; Capt.
John Lemmon, program manager; Ed Faillace, former NP2000 IPT lead; Bill Cover; (back, left to right), AD3 Hedgepeth; AD1
Tripple; AD2 Murray; AT3 Rombach; AZ1 Carrion; AMC Joyner; PR2 Evans and Lee Wetzel stand in front of the last C-2 installed
with the NP2000. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ernest R. Scott

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

assessment was to establish a physically

allocated baseline for the AR system.

Sustaining Command and Control:

NAVAIR to Incorporate Aerial Refueling on

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Story by: Elizabeth Fahrner

he E-2 Hawkeye has patrolled the

skies for 50 years, providing airborne
early warning and command and
control to carrier strike groups and ground
forces. By fiscal year 2020, the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye will carry out this
mission for up to seven continuous hours
per flight due to the addition of an aerial
refueling (AR) capability.
The U.S. Navy awarded Northrop
Grumman Corporation (NGC) a $226.7
million contract for the engineering,
manufacturing and development of an AR
capability for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
aircraft last September.
Adding an aerial refueling capability to
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft will allow
it to extend its critical mission of providing
continuous information to the warfighter
who depends on it, said Capt. John
Lemmon, PMA-231 program manager.
Since this contract award, PMA-231s
AR Integrated Product Team (IPT) has

(U.S. Navy photo by Liz Wolter / Released)

continuously worked to move this program

closer to the installation of the system on
new production E-2D aircraft and retrofit
onto aircraft that are currently operating
in the Navy fleet. The AR IPT developed
program, schedule and performance
measurements and requirements during a
combined System Requirements Review
2 (SRR2) and System Functional Review
(SFR) Feb. 3-4.
The E-2D Aerial Refueling Team did a
very good job, and the SRR2/SFR was
very successful in meeting its objectives.
The team seems prepared to proceed
to preliminary design, said SRR2/SFR
Technical Review Board Chair Chris
Stubbs, Assistant Program Executive
Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs,
Engineering.
Most recently, the PMA-231 AR IPT
conducted a Preliminary Design Review
Aug. 4-7 in Melbourne, Florida. The
purpose of this detailed technical

A tremendous amount of work by the

collective U.S. Navy and NGC IPT in the
months leading up to the event led to a unified
and comprehensive team presentation to
the Technical Review Board, said Christy
Schumacher, AR IPT co-lead.
Ultimately, these technical reviews laid a
foundation for the development program that
will span the next several years and result in the
installation of AR modifications on all 75 E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Initial Operational
Capability for AR is planned for fiscal year 2020.
Schumacher explained that this capability will
increase the aircrafts operational availability to
support sustained Theater Air Missile Defense
and strike coverage for the carrier strike group.

AR will allow longer on-station times at greater
ranges to address maturing adversary threats,
said Schumacher.
Over the past several years, the E-2D Integrated
Test Team (ITT), including aircrew from the
Navys Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two
Zero (VX-20) and NGC, has performed limited
scope test flights to identify potential risks to
AR implementation.
Based on these results, the U.S. Navy plans to
implement several system modifications to the
E-2D to accommodate AR, including refueling
components; new, adjustable seats to address
pilot field-of-view and crew fatigue; additional
exterior lighting for nighttime formation flying
and software improvements to the autopilot
system.
The AR IPT is working with NGC to provide
inputs for the design and testing of the AR
system, and preparing for the next systems
engineering technical review, a Critical Design
Review, scheduled for the fourth quarter of
fiscal year 2015.

Vantage Point
Aerial refueling (AR) on the E-2D aircraft
demands precision and E-2 pilots have
plenty of practice. E-2 pilots from the
E-2D ITT have conducted numerous AR
limited-scope, risk-reduction test flights
on an E-2C equipped with a dry probe.
The probe doesnt transfer fuel, but has
served as a valuable tool to assess the
various technical challenges associated
with integrating an AR system on the
E-2 aircraft. These pilots have learned
much about the anticipated benefits and
changes
of this
new
Aerial
refueling
(AR)
on capability
the E-2D during
aircraft
these test
flights. But E-2 pilots from the
demands
precision.
E-2D ITT have conducted numerous AR
AR requiresrisk-reduction
pilots to fly test
in very
limited-scope,
flightsclose
on an
formation
andwith
thena purposely
hitThe
another
E-2C
equipped
dry probe.
probe
doesnt
fuel,which
but has
served
object transfer
in the sky,
most
pilots as
try a
valuable
tool tocareers
assess to
theavoid!
various said
technical
their whole
Lt.
challenges
associatedAR
with Project
integrating
an AR
Nathan Atkinson,
Officer.
system
on the
E-2 aircraft.
Thesetopilots
have
The E-2
is inherently
difficult
fly, and
learned
much
about
the
anticipated
benefits
this task highlights those flying qualities.
and
changes
of this new
during
Intense
concentration
andcapability
a steady hand
these
test
flights.
are required to accomplish AR.
AR requires pilots to fly in very close formation
So how will E-2 pilots refuel their aircraft
and then purposely hit another object in the
in flight when this capability is fielded?
sky, which most pilots try their whole careers
will said
fly theLt.aircraft
within
30 to 40
toPilots
avoid!
Nathan
Atkinson,
AR
feet
of
the
tanker,
or
the
aircraft
providing
Project Officer. The E-2 is inherently difficult
and task
slow highlights
down to match
the
tothe
fly, fuel,
and this
those flying
tankers
speed.
The
tanker
trails
a
hose
qualities. Intense concentration and a steady
withare
a basket
attached
to the end,
hand
required
to accomplish
AR.called
a drogue. Next, the pilot will maneuver
plane
to direct
a probe
Sothe
how
will E-2
pilots refuel
theirmounted
aircraft in
above
thethis
cockpit
into aiscoupler
the
flight
when
capability
fielded?in Pilots
middle
the drogue,
is about
will
fly theofaircraft
within which
30 to 40
feet ofsix
the
tanker,
or
the
aircraft
providing
the
fuel,
and
(Cont.
on
page
6)
inches around.

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

Vantage Point (cont. from page 6)

Once the probe is securely latched
to the drogue, the tanker will transfer
fuel as the pilot maintains the aircrafts
position.
Enhancements
to
the
flight
control system, including software
improvements to the autopilot, are
planned as part of the AR program to
assist pilots during this difficult task.

said Tom Boutin, Northrop Grumman

Corporations E-2/C-2 Chief Test Pilot.
The autopilot enhancements will
dampen out the oscillations, reducing
the tendency to over-control the
aircraft.
Despite the challenge, E-2D ITT
members clearly see the benefit of this
capability.

The primary issue is the aircrafts

Aerial
refueling
(AR) on the
E-2Dpitch
aircraft
AR gives the crew and commanders
tendency
to oscillate
in the
demands
precision.
But
E-2
pilots
from
the
axis as the pilot attempts to make optionsoptions of extended onE-2D
havevertical
conducted
numerous
very ITT
small
corrections
as AR
station times and many others, said
limited-scope,
risk-reduction
test
flights
on
an
the probe approaches the drogue, Lt. Atkinson.

Navys Most Advanced Command and Control

Aircraft Joins the Fleet
Story by: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Ernest R. Scott and Elizabeth Fahrner

he E-2D Advanced Hawkeye officially

became ready for tasking with Carrier
Airborne Early Warning Squadron One
Twenty Five (VAW-125) during a ceremony at
Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field March
27.
This is a revolutionary jump in capabilities,
said former Commodore Capt. Todd Watkins,
Airborne Command Control and Logistics
Wing. The E-2D serves as the eyes of the
fleet. If its out there, we will see it.
The Tigertails of VAW-125 are the first
Navy squadron to become fully operational
with the Advanced Hawkeye, the newest,
most technologically capable variant of
the venerable E-2 airborne early warning
command and control platform.
The E-2D has been in development since
the early 1990s. During the ceremony,
Capt. John Lemmon, program manager,
PMA-231, emphasized the Navys longtime
commitment to providing the warfighter with
this aircraft enabled through years of science
and technology, testing, logistics and training.

People have invested their careers and
talents into the E-2D for more than 20 years
to provide the Navy with an advanced variant
of the Hawkeye that could meet the emerging
threats of tomorrow, said Capt. Lemmon.

Above: Left to right, Lt. Nathan Atkinson, Tom Boutin, Lt. J.P. Debbink, and Lt. Mike Luebkert are members of the
E-2D Integrated Test Team who are currently performing aerial refueling testing. The E-2D ITT includes aircrew
from the Navy, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Wyle. Photo by Elizabeth Fahrner

From the start, these men and women looked

at the E-2C and envisioned an aircraft that
was more advanced, more capable, more
ready to meet the advancing technologies
the enemy was developing and employing.
Today, we celebrate this major milestone,
which is a culmination of their effort.

Above: Ready for Tasking Ceremony attendees stand during

the presentation of the colors and national anthem March 27.
Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman

The E-2D is expected to be instrumental to

how the Navy will conduct battle management
command and control. Able to sweep ahead
of the strike, the E-2D can manage the
mission and keep carrier battle groups out of
harms way.
We were very excited to be the first squadron
to receive the [Advanced] Hawkeye, said
Lt. James Beaty, a Naval Flight Officer who
has worked extensively with the E-2D. Its
been a challenge, but Ive enjoyed learning
everything this aircraft is capable of.
The E-2Ds advanced technology makes it
a multi-mission platform through its ability to
coordinate concurrent missions which may
arise during a single flight. These missions
can include airborne strike, ground force
support, rescue operations and managing a
reliable communications network capable of
supporting drug interdiction operations.
I laid down the challenge to learn this new
platform and defend the fleet, said Capt.
William Ewald, Commander, Carrier Air
Wing One. Today, the Tigertails are ready
for tasking and I can assure you, they will
succeed.
PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

Meet the Crew:

Exploring Different Jobs in the E-2/C-2 Community

Story by: Chris Basham and Elizabeth Fahrner; Design by: Debbie Olsen

ust as every aircrew member is vital to complete a mission, so each

member in the E-2/C-2 community plays a role in getting these platforms
to the fleet, parts and all. And this community is complex and diverse. It
encompasses military, civilian and contractor men and women who provide
more than 730* man years of operational, technical, engineering and logistical
support around the U.S to three platforms: E-2C, E-2D and C-2A. These jobs
range from scientists to communication specialists and each impact the fleet
and warfighter. In the words of Capt. Lemmon, PMA-231 program manager, the
acquisition of capability is a weapon of war.
This new series will highlight a few teammates in each issue of the Kneeboard
and their participation in the E-2/C-2 community, beginning with these members.

Mike Reardon
E-2/C-2 Airframes/Propeller Manager
and E-2C Configuration Manager,

CNAF

eet Mike Reardon; hes the E-2/C-2

airframes/propeller manager and
E-2C configuration manager for the
Commander, U.S. Naval Air Forces
(CNAF) E-2/C-2 Class Desk, at Norfolk,
Va. Reardons job is to make sure all
E-2 and C-2 squadrons have the right
number of aircraft to meet operational
and training requirements. Sound
easy? Think again.

*excludes Foreign Military Sales man years

system of spare parts and manpower with

the Type Commander (TYCOM) Supply,
Naval Supply Weapons System Support and
Commander, Airborne Command Control
Logistics Wing (CACCLW) and PMA231. Reardon also works with the E-2/C-2
Fleet Support Team (FST) and PMA-231
to address engineering needs and system
safety.
I am very fortunate to work with some great
people at the CNAF E-2/C-2 Class Desk.
We work closely with PMA-231, CACCLW
and the E-2/C-2 FST to provide the fleet with
the safest and easiest-maintained aircraft
possible, Reardon said.
Reardon
schedules
preventative
maintenance inspection events and aircraft
transfers, reviews Engineering Change
Proposals and proposed Technical

Directives (TD), and assists with the

coordination of major modification programs,
such as the recent NP-2000 propeller
installation on all C-2A Greyhounds (see
page 4).
Reardon said the 10-plus years he has
served in his current position, combined with
over 27 years in the U.S. Navy, prepared
him for his current role.
I joke with people saying that I have two
Ph.D.sa Public High School Diploma
and a doctorate from the School of Hard
Knocksbecause I never learn anything
the easy way. The best training for my job
has been performing maintenance on Navy
aircraft, my time spent as a Maintenance
Master Chief and time in this position, said
Reardon.

Reardon ensures that two C-2A

squadrons, nine E-2C squadrons, one
E-2D squadron (Carrier Airborne
Early Warning Squadron One
Twenty Five (VAW-125)), VAW-120
and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron
One (VX-1) are safe and ready for action,
equipped with necessary parts for
maintenance and sparesa logistical
feat. He coordinates this complex

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

(Meet the Crew cont. from page 8)

Holly Shoger

Scott Wiener

E-2/C-2A Modifications and Sustainment

Deputy Program Manager, PMA-231

Foreign Military Sales

New Business Manager, PMA-231

s PMA-231s Foreign Military Sales New

Business manager, Scott Wiener has
found a position that lets him continue to
honor the commitment he made as a naval
flight officer.

mdr. Holly Shoger is the deputy

program manager for E-2/C-2A
Modifications and Sustainment at PMA231 on Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Shoger is 16 months into her second
tour with the E-2/C-2 program. Talk to
her about her work with the E-2 and C-2,
and its easy to see she knows she has a
pretty cool job.

I didnt know what I wanted to do

when I was growing up, but I did know
that I wanted to study engineering,
said Shoger. The Navy turned out to
be a great option, since it paid for my
schooling and gave me an opportunity to
do something completely unique! I never
imagined I would be flying and controlling
aircraft in the back of an E-2!
Shogers education includes acquisition
training for program management
certification, completed through Defense
Acquisition University.

Shoger serves the fleet by leading the

Modifications and Sustainment IPT, which
provides weapon system upgrades, inservice engineering and logistics support
for an active inventory of 15 E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye, 52 E-2C Hawkeye
and 35 C-2A Greyhound aircraft.
We manage the overall sustainment
piece of all three platforms, which
affects the everyday operations of the
fleet, Shoger said. We installed SCS7, which is an upgrade to the mission
systems in the E-2C. This modification
includes improved capabilities as well
as resolutions to previously defined
deficiencies within the mission system.
Navy opportunities and a passion for
engineering brought Shoger to PMA231, but thats not all she likes about
her role in support of the fleet. Shoger
says, Working with and meeting so
many different people is the best part of
this job!

For the past year and a half, Wiener has

worked to identify and develop international
partnerships with countries interested in
procuring the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye via
the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Navigating fifteen-hour flights and multiple
time zones may sound demanding, but Wiener
says, The most challenging part of my job is
trying to understand the values and concerns
of our international partners, which can often
be lost in translation. Our objective is to build
long-lasting relationships. It is important to
ensure that our allies understand what they
are receiving and are ultimately happy with
the product.
Despite some of the challenges, Wiener can
see the benefit his work offers to the fleet. As
a greater number of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
aircraft are sold via the FMS program, the unit
cost of the aircraft decreases. This results in
a procurement cost savings to the U.S. Navy.
Additionally, the expanded user community

created through international partnerships

reduces the U.S. Navys product support
costs over the life of the program.
These cost savings are rolled directly back
into the fleet through the development and
fielding of new capabilities, Wiener said.
Wieners career in FMS was born out of his
active duty service as an E-2C Naval Flight
Officer with the VAW-112 Golden Hawks.
Deployed aboard the USS John C. Stennis
(CVN-74) in the North Arabian Sea in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom, he worked
with French E-2C forces from the aircraft
carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) providing
airborne command and control in support
of combat operations over Afghanistan. His
squadron also took part in the first-ever
landing of a U.S. Navy E-2C on a French
aircraft carrier.
I was always extremely impressed that
independent countries would come together
as a coalition force to serve the greater good,
said Wiener. It left a lasting impression on
me and drove my desire to one day become
involved in FMS, developing international
relationships to ensure global security.

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

10

U.S. Navy Highlights Hawkeye Sustainment in International Forum

Story by: Elizabeth Fahrner; Design by: Debbie Olsen

event accomplished his teams

purposeit created an avenue for
open communication to address
prolonging the lifespan of the E-2
Hawkeye.

Above: Capt. Lemmon addresses international

foreign military sales customers, including
France, Taiwan, Japan and Egypt, at the
International Hawkeye Program Management
Review. Photo courtesy of NGC

our countries. Three days.

One
focus:
Sustaining
dominant
airborne
early
warning command and control
through
global
partnership.
The U.S. Navy and four foreign
military sales (FMS) customers:
France, Taiwan, Japan and Egypt,
discussed the sustainment of
the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft at the
International Hawkeye Program
Management Review (IHPMR)
March 24-26 in Washington,
D.C.
Endorsed by Naval Air
Systems Command and PMA231,
Northrop
Grumman
sponsored and hosted the event.
Glenn Stout, PMA-231 FMS
program
manager,
said
the

This IHPMR was a forum for

international customers to share
operational experiences, lessons
learned and concerns with the U.S.
Navy and each other, said Stout.
With the U.S. Navys deployment
of the first E-2D squadron in fiscal
year 2015 and sundown of the E-2C
around 2024, we focused on the
long-term sustainment of the E-2C
for our FMS customers.
FMS customers operate 28 E-2C
aircraft, which represents more
than a third of the entire E-2
community. The U.S. Navy provides

Capt. Lemmon, PMA-231 program manager,

and Bart LaGrone, Northrop Grummans
vice president of E-2/C-2 Programs, speak
about the importance of forward thinking
and strong partnerships within the Hawkeye
community at the International Hawkeye
Program Management Review March 24-26 in
Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of NGC

them with engineering, program

management, logistics and financial
analysis support through the U.S.
governments contracts with these
countries, called Letters of Offer and
Acceptance.

president of E-2/C-2 Programs,

spoke to the international audience
about the importance of forward
thinking and strong partnerships
within the Hawkeye community to
successfully sustain the E-2.

With the U.S. Navys transition

from the E-2C to E-2D, these
countries have a vested interest
in how the U.S. will assist with the
sustainment of their E-2C aircraft,
said Rick Boisvert, PMA-231 E-2
principal deputy assistant program
manager for Logistics, International
Programs.

By taking action today and being

proactive tomorrow, we will maintain
relevance and improve readiness
beyond 2024. We must partner
together to boost the efficiency
of
collective
obsolescence
management, engineering and
legacy equipment support to
optimize the Hawkeye, said
Lemmon.

We reiterated that the Navy and

Northrop Grumman are working
to expand efforts to support the
international E-2C fleet, and
discussed proactive measures FMS
customers can implement to sustain
their own fleets.

There is much to be learned from

our relationships as Hawkeye users
and from the investments we make,
together, through open and honest
communication and information
sharing. Sustaining and enhancing
the Hawkeye is a collaborative effort
and we must all do our part!

PMA-231 is working with E-2

suppliers to expand distributors
agreements to include spare parts
and components for obsolete
and lifetime buy items. Boisvert
encouraged international customers
to identify issues affecting current
and future readiness and allocate
necessary resources to maintain
aircraft supportability, with essential
system upgrades, throughout the
service life of the E-2C aircraft.
Capt. Lemmon, together with Bart
LaGrone, Northrop Grummans vice

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

11

Cmdr. Drew Ballinger Selected for

Aviation Test Command
Story by: Chris Basham

mdr. Drew Ballinger

was
selected
for Aviation Test
Command at this years
Aviation
Command
Screen Board. Drew will
be the next chief test pilot
Cmdr. Drew Ballinger
of Air Test and Evaluation
Squadron (VX) 30 at Naval Base Ventura
County, Point Mugu, Calif. PMA-231
Program Manager Capt. John Lemmon
called Ballingers selection, very
well deserved.

Ballinger was one of three selected by

the board. To be eligible for selection,
each was required to graduate from the
U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, achieve
DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce
Improvement Act) Level II certification in
Test and Evaluation and be a member of
the Acquisition Corps.
Ballinger, who was named Hawkeye
Pilot of the Year for 2004 and VX-20
Test Pilot of the Year for 2007, has
accumulated more than 2,500 flight
hours in 23 aircraft, with over 300 carrierarrested landings.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my
experiences on several operational
deployments, learning new skills in Test
Pilot School, being a team member on
an extremely challenging and rewarding
flight test program and working closely
with contractor, military and civilian
members of the PMA-231, NAVAIR,
and Northrop Grumman program team,
Ballinger said.

As a previous Unrestricted Line Officer

(URL) until he became an Aerospace
Engineering Duty Officer in 2012,
Ballingers career is a testimony to
the opportunities in acquisition with
the Navy.
I had the opportunity to work in both
fields, as a URL in the operational world
and also in the flight test and acquisition
world, and I made a decision to switch
to AEDO because I enjoyed the more
technical aspects of aviation and
systems development, said Ballinger.
He will assume his duties as chief test
pilot and, eventually, commanding
officer of the VX-30 Bloodhounds in
February 2015. VX-30 is one of the most
diverse squadrons in the Navy today,
as its flight line encompasses three
different naval aviation platforms. Each
of these platforms is used in Research,
Development, Test and Evaluation
(RDT&E) of current and future weapons
systems, which are being tested at Naval
Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division
at Point Mugu and Naval Air Weapons
Station China Lake, California.

Above: Cmdr. Drew Ballinger (left) takes the oath as

Capt. Lemmon promotes him to his new rank. Ballinger
was selected for Aviation Test Command.
Photo by Trudy Carroll

E-2D Team Lead Receives

Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award
Story by: Chris Basham

andy Snyder, Integrated Product Team

lead for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Naval
Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air at
PMA-231, received the Navy Meritorious
Civilian Service Award in March. Honoring
civilian Department of the Navy employees
for service or contributions of high value or
benefit to the Navy or the Marine Corps, it is
the Navys third-highest civilian award.
Snyder was nominated for enabling the
completion of three highly successful, endto-end NIFC-CA demonstration events with
the NC-130H test bed, which matured and
transitioned critical technologies, resulting in
E-2D NIFC-CA capability.
Mr. Snyders outstanding leadership, expert
technical and analytical skills, and thorough
knowledge of NIFC-CA have made him
a respected team leader, said PMA-231
Deputy Program Manager Chris Frayser.
His efforts were significant and resulted in
the successful completion of these extremely
complicated tests.
Providing program strategy, planning,
acquisition management, budget, contract
execution and risk management, Snyder led
his team to develop hardware, software and
tactical data links required to integrate NIFCCA capability into the E-2D. Snyders efforts
delivered E-2D NIFC-CA From the Sea
capability on cost, on performance and on
schedule, and demonstrated the From the Air
capability ahead of schedule, providing cost
savings and risk reduction across the family
of systems.
Snyder facilitated E-2Ds successful Milestone
C and Full Rate Production decisions, while

Above: Deputy Program Manager Chris Frayser (right) honors

Randy Snyder with the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
Photo by Elizabeth Fahrner

developing and maintaining strong working

relationships with multiple NAVAIR and
NAVSEA program offices, the Office of the
Chief of Naval Operations Air Warfare and
Special Programs branches, Navy Strike
and Air Warfare Center, the Office of Naval
Research, contractors and subcontractors.
His
team
implemented
necessary
enhancements to the E-2D aircrafts
radar system and data links to effectively
communicate with the AEGIS and F/A-18
weapon systems. Under his leadership during
the demonstration events with the NC-130H
test bed, the team spent two years planning
and coordinating the execution of about
120 precursor flights, which required eight
detachments to West Coast ranges. His team
also assisted in collecting and disseminating
data from these events to contractors for
independent analysis.
During his 23 years with NAVAIR, Snyders
professional excellence has been recognized
before. He received the Edward H. Heinemann
Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2003,
and the NAVAIR Commanders Award for
E-2D Program Management in 2007.
PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

Mobile. Ready.
12 Forward.
E-2 community engages audiences
page

at Navy and industry events

Story by: Elizabeth Fahrner

MA-231,
Airborne
Command
Control and Logistics Wing, and
Northrop Grumman presented a
unified front at E-2D Industry Day March
25 and Sea-Air-Space Exposition April 7.
Both events allowed audiences to learn
more about the latest variant of the E-2
and how these three entities are working
together to field this new aircraft.
At Industry Day, Capt. John Lemmon,
PMA-231 program manager, and Capt.
Todd Watkins, former commodore for

the Airborne Command Control and

Logistics Wing, stressed the importance
of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to
the carrier strike groups and thanked
suppliers for their contributions to this
aircraft.
Suppliers need to hear first-hand from
operators how pleased we are with the
product they provide and how much we,
the fleet, value the contributions of our
civilian partners, Watkins said. Naval
aviation is the ultimate team sport and

our industry partners that build these amazing

flying machines are valued members of
the team.

Naval aviation is the

ultimate team sport and
our industry partners that
build these amazing flying
machines are valued
members of the team.
Watkins spoke about the squadrons
interface with the aircraft, while Lemmon
provided an overview of the acquisition and
program management of the E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye. Glenn Stout, PMA-231 FMS
program manager, talked about the possible
procurement of the aircraft by other countries.
Suppliers saw different sides of the coin,
Lemmon said. They learned about the daily
effort of running and managing an ACAT 1C
program and gained insight into the operators
perspective of the E-2 and C-2.
Lemmon also used the event as an opportunity

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist

2nd Class Devin Wray/Released)

to encourage continued cooperation and

innovation between industry and DoD.
Together, we must address challenges, such
as transaction time in the repair process and
configuration management. Above all, we
must keep the end users at the forefront of
our minds, Lemmon said.
Lemmon and Bart LaGrone, Northrop
Grummans vice president of E-2/C-2
Programs, gave a summary of the evolution
of the E-2 and focused on the capabilities of
the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at the Sea-AirSpace Exposition, an annual educational,
professional and maritime-based event for
the U.S. defense industrial base, privatesector U.S. companies and military. They
also highlighted recent E-2D program and
operational achievements.
Events such as Sea-Air-Space provide a
unique opportunity for PMA-231 and Northrop
Grumman to update the news media as
well as other Navy entities on the E-2D
program, both domestic and international,
said LaGrone. Just as we work together
on a daily basis, ensuring that the program
is performing at the highest levels, briefing
together demonstrates the solid partnership
that has been built on more than five decades
of delivering on our commitments to our
warfighters.

Above: Left to right, Cmdr. James JJ Elias, John Capacchione (industry partner), Capt. Watkins and
Capt. Lemmon attend Industry Day. Elias, Watkins and Lemmon (above right) were speakers at the event.
Photos courtesy of NGC

PREV NEXT
PAGE PAGE

page

13

Around the Fleet

RECENT ACTIVITY

Check out these pictures from U.S. Navy E-2 and C-2 squadrons stationed around
the globe. Visit http://www.navy.mil/viewGallery.asp to view more photos from
the fleet.
Left: Two VAW-120 and
one VAW-123 E-2C
Hawkeye aicraft cruise
past the First Flight
Memorial at Kitty Hawk,
North Carolina. (Photo
by Ted Carlson)

Left: A C-2A Greyhound

assigned to the
Rawhides of Fleet
Logistics Support
Squadron (VRC) 40
takes off from the flight
deck of the aircraft
carrier USS Theodore
Roosevelt (CVN 71).
(U.S. Navy photo by
Mass Communication
Specialist Seaman
Apprentice Matthew
Young/Released)

E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office, PMA-231

Chris Basham, Editor
christine.basham@imagine-one.com
301-866-4098, ext. 2204

U.S. Navy @USNavy

Here's a glimpse of what our Sailors do
every day around the world, around the
clock http://1.usa.gov/1D0fbg4

Left: An E-2D Hawkeye

assigned to the Tiger
Tails of VAW-125 flies
over Naval Station
Norfolk. VAW-125
provides airborne
early warning and
command and control
to Carrier Air Wing 1.
(U.S. Navy photo by
Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class
Ernest R. Scott/
Released)

Left: An E-2C Hawkeye

aircraft from VAW-123
is secured by crew
members Lt. j.g. Emily
Weaver and Lt. Matt
Axley after arriving at
Forrest Sherman Field
at Naval Air Station
Pensacola. The aircraft
has been donated to the
National Naval Aviation
Museum at the base.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mike
OConnor/Released)

301-757-7235

Throwback Thursday: An E-2A aircraft

(originally designated as the W2F-1) flies
over Long Island, New York,
Dec. 30, 1960.
Photo of the day: Twenty-two years ago
this month, the E-2C Group II aircraft
entered Navy service with squadrons of
the Pacific and Atlantic fleets.

Right: A C-2A Greyhound

from the Providers of
VRC-30, Detachment
5, makes an arrested
landing on the flight
deck of the U.S. Navys
forward-deployed aircraft
carrier USS George
Washington (CVN 73).
(U.S. Navy photo by
Mass Communication
Specialist Seaman
Apprentice Oscar Albert
Moreno Jr./Released)

Right: VX-1 flies an E-2D

Advanced Hawkeye
over Naval Air Station
Patuxent River. (U.S.
Navy photo by Erik
Hildebrandt/Released)

Elizabeth Fahrner, Managing Editor

elizabeth.fahrner.ctr@navy.mil

Photo of the day: Newest E-2D debuts

at NAS Norfolk

NAVAIRSYSCOM: Did you know that

the United States Naval Test Pilot School
represents every military service as well
as about five foreign nationals in each
class? Watch to learn more.

Local Command Directory (click image)

Navy News Service and Social Media Directories

THIS NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED BI-ANNUALY BY NAVAIR PMA-231. Its content is not necessarily the official view of or endorsed by
the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Questions regarding this publication, its distribution, or
how to obtain back issues may be made by contacting the program directly. All members of the E-2/C-2 team, including fleet units and field
activities, are encouraged to submit articles electronically or by mail (E-2/C-2 Program Office, 47123 Buse Road, Patuxent River, MD 20670).

PREV
PAGE