[MilCom] Navy News Service for Monday, November 06, 2006

[Greg Brazil]

FYI

>                                   -USN-
> 
> 
> NNS061103-20. VFA-213 'Blacklions' Declared "Safe for Flight"
> 
> By Cathy Heimer, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs
> 
> VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Following seven months of training and
> inspections, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 officially was declared "Safe
> for Flight" Oct. 27, during a briefing at the "Blacklions'" hangar by
> Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Capt. John McCandlish,
> his staff and Carrier Air Wing 8 Deputy Commander, Capt. Daniel Dixon.
> 
> The squadron began their transition from Fighter Squadron (VF) 213, flying
> the F-14 Tomcat, to flying the the F/A-18 Super Hornet as VFA-213, following
> their return from deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in
> March.
> 
> "We've been very impressed with the Blacklions' maintenance department. We
> evaluated 42 maintenance programs. Of those, 37 were on track, only five
> need more attention and you had zero off track programs," said Strike
> Fighter Wing Maintenance Officer Cmdr. Chris Kennedy, adding the squadron
> had already corrected the remaining five programs. 
> 
> "Five (inspections needing more attention) is right on par and you're one of
> the top squadrons that we've seen in the Safe for Flight. No off track is
> outstanding!" said Kennedy. 
> 
> He praised several Blacklion Sailors by name for their outstanding work
> completing the inspections. 
> 
> "It was an awesome inspection," said Kennedy.
> 
> "Your challenge is to keep this squadron where it is today and make it even
> better. This is a start for a 'new squadron.' Continue to improve the
> process and continue to look at your programs, continue to make them
> better," said Kennedy.
> 
> The commodore then presented VFA-213 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Dan Cave with
> a copy of the message declaring the Blacklions Safe for Flight.
> 
> Cave first thanked the commodore and his team for their support not just
> during the transition, but during the final deployment of the Tomcats,
> noting how the squadron had everything they needed to keep their Tomcats
> flying up until the transition. Cave then praised his entire squadron for
> their "outstanding work" in completing the transition.
> 
> Cave was not surprised by the results of the inspections. "I have every bit
> of confidence in these guys and gals. I saw their hard work and knew we
> would do well," he said.
> 
> Cave, who's proud to admit "I loved the Tomcat," also finds many things
> about the new Super Hornets that makes flying them enjoyable. 
> 
> "It's a great airplane. This aircraft is going to take us into the future
> and we're going to be able to do things we've only dreamed of before. We're
> going to grow and become even better," he said.
> 
> VFA-213 Master Chief Aviation Maintenance (AVCM) (AW) Bill Herron was also
> not surprised by the inspection results. 
> 
> "It was an awesome job by everybody! These guys busted their butts for the
> last few months. There was no doubt we would do well," said Herron. 
> 
> Although the weather Oct. 27 pushed back the traditional "first flight"
> following earning Safe for Flight, the squadron celebrated with a cake and
> cookout in their hangar. By noon Oct. 30, the Blacklion aviators were able
> to celebrate with an official first flight.
> 
> For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil. 
> 
>                                   -USN-