"Airdales"

Comment

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on December 10, 2013 at 6:14pm

Navy Honors F/A-18 for 35 Years of Distinction...

Story Number: NNS131209-17Release Date: 12/9/2013 9:52:00 PM
From Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Public Affairs Office

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- The F/A-18 Hornet community celebrated the 35th anniversary of the aircraft's first flight during a ceremony Dec. 9 in the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett building atrium at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

Sponsored by the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), the celebration highlighted the accomplishments and continued impact of the U.S. Navy's longest running tactical aircraft program.

"The F/A-18 and EA-18G program continues to thrive, it is by far the predominant tactical force for naval aviation," said Capt. Frank Morley, PMA-265 program manager, "and it will continue to be for many years to come."

Originally designed to replace the F-4 Phantom and the A-7 Corsair II, the F/A-18 Hornet took its first flight Nov. 18, 1978. Today, the F/A-18 platform, including the Hornet, Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, operate in 44 Navy and 11 Marine Corps Strike Fighter and Electronic Attack Squadrons worldwide.

Since its maiden voyage 35 years ago, the F/A-18 family of aircraft has flown 8,692,167 flight hours averaging nearly 250,000 flights hours per year since the historic journey.

"The success of this program rests on the shoulders of many that have come before us, and many that have spent a lifetime supporting this program," Morley said during the ceremony.

The ceremony's keynote speaker, retired Vice Adm. Jeffrey A. Wieringa, shared a number of "sea" stories based on his experience as a past program manager (April 2000 to May 2003).

"I became a naval aviator in 1977 - just one year before the Hornet entered into service," said Wieringa. "So, you could say that both the F/A-18 and I earned our wings right about the same time."

Rear Adm. Donald (B.D.) Gaddis, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs (PEO(T)), also shared thoughts about his time as PMA-265's program manager and what he believes has made the F/A-18 and EA-18G program so successful.

"We have always had very, very good leadership inside the Hornet industry team, PMA-265 and in the competencies," said Gaddis. "That successful culture is going to keep us flying as a team until probably 2030 or 2035."

The ceremony was followed by a luncheon and tours of Hangar 201, home of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23. Four static aircraft displays were on exhibition, each representing an iteration of the F/A-18. Boeing also provided guests the opportunity to "fly" the F/A-18 Super Hornet via its mobile simulator.

For more information about the F/A-18 Hornet, Super Hornet and EA-8G Growler, visit the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) website.

Comment by Justamom on September 30, 2013 at 5:15pm

Thanks guys!  This is what I came up with...

 

This was the best I could get out of the one existing picture, glare from the reflective tape really gets in the way.  But since it was taken on the flight deck at night, we are lucky it turned out at all.  I surfed until I found the picture of the actual helicopter in flight during the same deployment.  You can't make out his name without a magnifying glass , but we know it's there :)

The guy who took the picture is now in Japan, where the squadron was relocated after the last deployment.  Our son is currently deployed on the Truman and communication is iffy at best most days.  I had to pull this one together without him. 

Thanks again for your ideas!

Comment by George M. Klaes on September 30, 2013 at 9:22am

Justamom. Try his friend. It sounds like it was a personally owned

camera so his son's friend may still have the photo. If so you

may be able to have the photo digitally enhanced.

Comment by Justamom on September 29, 2013 at 1:14pm

Not sure is this is the correct group for this question but worth a try.  My son is air crew for a helo squadron, not a pilot.  Last year his quick action averted a possible accident and his squadron had his name and hometown painted on the side of the bird.  I only have a grainy picture of him posed beside it.  He was never able to coordinate a better picture.  He is now with a different squadron and no longer has access.  Do you know if the Navy or the squadron takes pictures of this kind of thing?  Son said a friend took the one he sent to us from the ship.  We are hoping to get a better picture to present to his grandpa, who flew dive bombers in the South Pacific in WWII, for his 90th birthday soon.  Thank you! 

Comment by Chuck on September 3, 2013 at 5:38pm

"We had a visit from our AO Sailor Alyssa and her bff yesterday. They stopped on their way back to Virginia from the bff's home in Ohio."

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on September 2, 2013 at 5:52am

you can take a ride in a B-17....I have: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on September 1, 2013 at 10:45pm

WOW! http://www.b17.org/

Comment by Chuck on August 30, 2013 at 1:27pm

Fair Winds and  Following Seas to your Dad, Brad.

Comment by Brad on August 22, 2013 at 9:21pm

My dad made his "final flight home" today to be with the Lord.  Pic was just uploaded.  Was a 2nd Lt. in the USAF and got to fly the first fighter jets, the F80 shooting star.  Both grandchildren AWR2 Rescue Swimmer Garrett Krygier and 2nd Lt. Marine Valerie Gibson will miss him too!

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on August 19, 2013 at 5:32pm

Happy National Aviation Day!

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• …
• 53
• Next ›
• Page