CORONADO, Calif. –
A pilot from Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) recently performed a first in Navy history when he flew an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye without the rotodome attached June 20.
Cmdr. Matthew Ostrye was dispatched to Fallon, Nevada, in order to ferry the E-2D aircraft assigned to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 113 to Naval Air Station North Island, California. Ferrying of aircraft in order to enact repairs is a normal occurrence for FRCSW’s personnel, but this time was different. The E-2 was to be flown without a rotodome, the large circular “top” to the aircraft. This was the first time an E-2D was flown without a dome or pylon and was completed only because of the combined efforts of FRCSW, VAW-113 and Airborne Command and Control Logistics Wing and the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office.
The dome for this aircraft was damaged in a hailstorm and will require dismantling and shipping before repairs can take place. VAW-113 has a pending need for this aircraft thus the E-2 was flown to FRCSW where a dome swap could be completed allowing the aircraft to be combat ready in time to meet VAW-113’s requirement.
This effort is an example of how a combined effort between multiple Navy commands leads to success and allows FRCSW to continue to provide the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps with the tools necessary to ensure freedom across the globe.
Written by Michael A Furlano, public affairs specialist with Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. 