NAVSUP WSS Team Greets C-2A and E-2D Flight Crews

By Jenae Jackson, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support Corporate Communications and Laura Furgason, E-2/C-2 Integrated Weapons Support Team

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- Approximately 50 yards of tarmac and 50 years of historical enhancements separated a C-2A Greyhound from an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye during a recent Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) site visit at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Commander, Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing (COMACCLOGWING) Commodore Capt. Todd Watkins was on site to accentuate the importance of NAVSUP WSS's role in providing exceptional operational readiness.

"I don't know of any other platform that the Commander Air Group (CAG) schedules 100 percent every day; it's the lifeblood of the fleet," Watkins said about the E2/C2. "Naval Aviation is the ultimate team sport, and NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia is an integral part of the team that makes the Hawkeye mission happen."

A C-2A Greyhound and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye were flown in by the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) "Rawhides" and the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 (VAW-125) "Tigertails" as part of an ongoing effort within NAVSUP WSS to amplify employee awareness and their vital role in fleet readiness.

More than 50 NAVSUP WSS employees spanning several departments were given the opportunity to step beyond the telephone receiver and computer monitor and physically shake the hands of the flight crew and tour the aircraft they work so diligently to sustain.

Originally fielded in the mid-1960's and re-introduced in 1990 bearing substantial airframe and avionic systems improvements, the C-2A Greyhound hails as the U.S. Navy's primary at-sea delivery aircraft for transporting cargo and personnel. The Greyhounds underwent a Service Life Extension Program to increase their operating service life from 15,020 landings and 10,000 flight hours to 36,000 landings and 15,000 flight hours.

The E-2D is the Navy's fourth iteration providing world-class, all-weather Airborne Early Warning and Battle Management Command and Control. Advanced electronic sensors coupled with digital computerized signal processing are used to support the early warning of approaching enemy surface units, cruise missiles, and aircraft. VRC-40 and VAW-125 are currently preparing for an upcoming deployment onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), which marks the E-2D's first deployment.

At the conclusion of the site visit, Watkins recognized and presented five NAVSUP WSS team members with coins for their outstanding contributions and continuous support to the C-2/E-2 platforms.

A field activity of the NAVSUP WSS is the U.S. Navy's supply chain manager providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship, and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites. The NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, while its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines.