Eli Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com 240-801-2258
Regional Supervisor
Stacy Moreland smoreland@chespub.com
Multimedia Account Executive
Ryan Ebaugh rebaugh@dcmilitary.com 443-963-6013
Graphic Design
Steve Baird
Residential Treatmentfor Children andAdolescents
We provide structured and nurturing treatment foryouth ages 9–17who struggle with emotional, behavioral and psychiatric disorders. Our programs areTRICARE®-certified.
We areh erefor yo uw hen yo un eed help fo ryour child. Find out more to daybyc alling 703 -7 77-0800 or visit northspringleesburg.co m.
The name Pax River Press is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.
This paper is published by APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC, 29088 Airpark Drive, Easton, MD. 21601. 410-770-4005, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under an exclusive written Memorandum of Understanding with Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
This commercial enterprise magazine is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the Pax River Press are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or
supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC, and Printing of the products or services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.
Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Office. All editorial content submitted to Pax River Press is subject to editing and is approved by the Public Affairs Office of NAS Patuxent River. Editorial content should be submitted by Friday one month prior to be considered for the following month’s edition. To inquire about news copy, call 240-801-2258 or send an email to ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com. Commercial advertising may be placed with the senior multimedia account executive by calling 443-963-6013.
OCT. 26 & NOV. 16
REGISTER HERE:
St. Mary’s College of Maryland invites you and your family to attend one of our Fall Open Houses. Tour our beautiful waterfront campus and speak with students about campus life. Learn about our excellent academic programs, the admission process and our integrated career development program.
BIG EVENTS CLOSE TO HOME
The Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center at St. Mary's College of Maryland hosts a variety of top-fight acts.
The 2024 schedule includes the Brubeck Brothers Quartet with Camille Thurman and Christmas with the Annie Moses Band. Check our website for the latest coming attractions! FIND
VXS-1 Squadron Continues the Mission, Tracking Potential Tropical Cyclone
By Mary E. Hamisevicz, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications
WASHINGTON — U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Scientifc Development Squadron ONE (VXS) 1 takes to the skies to deploy observational buoys in front of Hurricane Helene’s projected path on Tuesday, Sept. 24 providing real-time forecasts to the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) Hurricane Coastal Impacts (NHCI) team for timely prediction and operational readiness.
“This is the second gulf hurricane the Warlocks have fown on in two weeks and the most buoys we have ever dropped on a NHCI mission,” said Scientifc Development Squadron ONE (VXS) 1 Commanding Offcer Cmdr. Aaron Roberts. “We just fnished showcasing the mission at the Oceana Airshow before fying on Helene. I am impressed by my team’s ability to adapt to the unpredictable and rapidly developing hurricanes this year.”
During the 7.8 hour fight, the team dropped 29 buoys in the Gulf of Mexico along the Florida and Alabama coastline. Four different variations of buoys were used for data collection including four submersibles, six spotters, three Directional Wave Spectra Drifters, and three Surface Wave Instrument Floats with Tracking.
The aircrew are comprised of Commanding Offcer Cmdr. Aaron Roberts, Maintenance Offcer Lt. John Leyba, Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Petty Offcer (AWFC) Fred Lewis, First Class Petty Offcer (AWF1) Cassandra Gapinski, First Class Petty Offcer (AWF1) Gavin Naughton, Operations Offcer Lt Ben Cumberland, Quality Assurance Offcer Lt Sean Carpenter, Project Specialist, Mr. Jacob Davis, and Project Specialist, Mr. Eric Stackpole.
“The array of air-deployed drifting buoys and submersible instruments was designed by the NHCI team, including
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS) 1 takes to the skies to deploy observational buoys in front of Hurricane Helene’s projected path on Tuesday, Sept. 24 providing real-time forecasts to the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) Hurricane Coastal Impacts (NHCI) team for timely prediction and operational readiness. The view from the cockpit of the NP-3C Orion, an all-weather, medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft as the teams heads towards the Gulf of Mexico to deploy information buoys. From left to right Operations Officer Lt. Ben Cumberland, Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Petty Officer (AWFC) Fred Lewis, and Maintenance Officer Lt. John Leyba (U.S. Navy photo by AWF1 Gapinski)
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS) 1 takes to the skies to deploy observational buoys in front of Hurricane Helene’s projected path on Tuesday, Sept. 24 providing real-time forecasts to the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) Hurricane Coastal Impacts (NHCI) team for timely prediction and operational readiness. Planned deployment sites depicted above are where the team dropped 29 buoys in the Gulf of Mexico along the Florida and Alabama coastline this week ahead of Hurricane Helene. (U.S. Navy photo by AWF1 Gapinski)
scientists from the Marine Meteorology Division who provided real-time forecasts from NRL’s Coupled Ocean/ Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System for Tropical Cyclones, or COAMPS-TC, and insight into the observing strategy for Hurricane Helene”, said James Doyle, Ph.D., Senior Scientist for Mesoscale Meteorology from the Marine Meteorology Division.
COAMPS-TC is a specialized version of the Navy’s mesoscale numerical weather prediction model, designed to predict tropical cyclone track, intensity and structure. COAMPS-TC was named the world’s most accurate in predicting hurricane strengths during the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season by Jeff Masters, Ph.D., in Yale’s August 2020 Climate Connections.
The drifting buoys will record the height of the waves and direction the waves are headed, and how these wave characteristics change as Hurricane Helene moves through the array. The submersible instruments will sense water depth to measure the height of the storm surge produced by Helene.
“Understanding how a hurricane interacts with the ocean to generate waves and surge is key to understanding and predicting coastal impacts of land falling hurricanes” said Mesoscale Modeling Section Head (Acting) Jonathan Moskaitis, Ph.D. “The ocean surface waves generated by the hurricane also provide drag on the storm’s low-
From left to right, First Class Petty Officer (AWF1) Gavin Naughton, Commanding Officer Cmdr. Aaron Roberts, and Quality Assurance Officer Lt. Sean Carpenter from U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS) 1. The squadron deployed 29 buoys ahead of Hurricane Helene’s landfall including four different variations of buoys used for data collection to include four submersibles, six spotters, three Directional Wave Spectra Drifters, and three Surface Wave Instrument Floats with Tracking. (U.S. Navy photo by AWF1 Gapinski
level winds, which is an important feedback to simulate in specialized hurricane prediction models like the Navy’s COAMPS model. Observations of waves in the extreme environment of the hurricane inner core will provide unique insight into how account for surface drag in COAMPS-TC.”
The “Warlocks” of VXS-1 are on call to deploy environmental observation buoys in advance of hurricanes along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico during the June through November hurricane season. The squadron quickly responded Tuesday morning to the rapidly evolving storm conditions of Helene.
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
NRL is a scientifc and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafoor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington, D.C. with major feld sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
NAS Patuxent River Commanding Offcer Capt. Douglas Burfeld presents a second class crow to newly promoted MA2 Anthony Yarbrough. Yarbrough was promoted under the Navy’s Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP). MAP authorizes commanding offcers to advance eligible personnel in paygrades E5 and below to the next higher paygrade. The program is intended to give COs the opportunity to recognize their best Sailors by advancing them when they are ready for the next level of responsibility. The program gives greater authority to commands to better shape their workforce and the Navy by developing and rewarding our most talented Sailors.
Yarbrough Promoted to Second Class Pax Pros Recognized
NAS Patuxent River recognized two of its Sailors with commendations at the recent All Hands Sept. 25.
NAS Patuxent River Commanding Offcer Capt. Douglas Burfeld presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to ET2 Tyler Hernandez for professional achievement as Ground Electronics Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR) technician and work
center supervisor at NAS Patuxent River from January 2023 to October 2024.
Burfeld Also presented a letter of commendation to MASN Lakalah Brown-White for outstanding performance while assigned to the Security and N1 Administrative Departments onboard NAS Patuxent River from February to September 2024.
Fair Winds, Following Seas to Pax SECO Lt. Whittenton
NAS Patuxent River wishes Lt. Charles Whittenton fair winds and following seas as he departs Pax for his next duty station. Following his departure, Whittenton was presented with gifts and a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his numerous achievements and steadfast leadership of the NAS Patuxent River Security Division over the past three years.
Acierto Reenlists
ET3 Kevin Acierto reenlists in front of shipmates at the Ground Electronics Maintenance Division Oct. 1. Acierto recited the Oath of Enlistment from reenlistment offcer Cmdr. Stephen Porter, NAS Patuxent River Air Operations Offcer.
Vice Adm. Chebi Tours Pax River Airfield Services Division
Commander, Naval Air Systems Command Vice Adm. Carl Chebi visited NAS Pax River Airfeld Services Division Oct. 4 for a site visit and to answer questions from Sailors. Chebi thanked the crew for their efforts keeping the air mission at Pax going every day, and their impact to the feet today and in the future.
Chebi was treated to a tour of Airfeld Services work spaces and training environment, as well as a demonstration of the E28 emergency arresting gear operated and maintained by the Pax Pros of the Airfeld Services Division. The E28 Emergency Arresting Gear system is a cable system used to bring fast moving jets to a stop in the event of an emergency landing or need for a short landing space.
Welcome Aboard to the Newest Pax Pros
NAS Patuxent River welcomed its newest Pax Pros to the command during the September All Hands. NAS Patuxent River takes pride in welcoming aboard the following Sailors:
• Lt. j.g. Paul Wilson
• BM2 Micaya Salazar
• AWS2 Jacob Blandino
• ABH3 Kaialayne Cox
• MASR Christian Carter
Light Attack Helicopters Make NAVAIR History From PMA 276 Public Affairs
From PMA 276 Public Affairs
The United States Marine Corps Light Attack Helicopter Programs Offce (PMA-276) made history with the frst Suitable Substitute Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) in partnership with Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) Additive Manufacturing (AM) Integrated Product Team (IPT).
Often plagued with material shortages, obsolete parts, or long lead times, the Department of the Navy is working to fnd rapid solutions for the feet to avoid the often long and tedious ECP process. NAVAIR’s AM IPT is taking new steps to reduce the traditional Class I/ II ECP approval and production time with the Suitable Substitute ECP.
Development of the AM IPT
The AM IPT was formed in 2016 as a command initiative. Twenty people support the IPT, including nine employees with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s Modeling and Design Branch.
AM is a change in the strategic approach to how NAVAIR can provide a robust process to handle part
replacements. Instead of manufacturing a large quantity of components in centralized production facilities, it allows for the manufacturing of smaller quantities as the parts are needed. In the past, this process was not feasible given the lead time needed for the confguration management process and the high costs involved. AM proved these smaller projects, involving non-critical parts, are a solution to those concerns and result in rapidly delivering parts to the warfghter.
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith emphasized the capabilities of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in a statement on August 29. “The myriad unmanned subsurface, surface, and aerial systems that the Joint Force is rapidly procuring are a perfect match for our well decks and fight decks,” Gen. Smith said.
Gen. Smith also pointed out that the ARG/MEU is an optimal forward position for innovation in contested logistics. He noted that amphibious ships are particularly well-suited for employing advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and other advanced sustainment methods. These capabilities can
UH-1Y rescue hoist chain guard cover made history as the first Suitable Substitute Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) in partnership with Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) Additive Manufacturing (AM) Integrated Product Team (IPT).
be combined with the Aviation Combat Element and surface connectors to enhance tactical distribution efforts.
Identifying a good candidate for the Suitable Substitute ECP
This manufacturing improvement is a game changer for the feet, but it had to involve an ideal part. The H-1 Fleet Support Team (FST) with PMA-276 worked closely with the AM IPT to quickly address a feet supply issue regarding the UH-1Y rescue hoist chain guard cover.
“We did a lot of work behind the scenes to determine if the guard cover could be reliably 3D printed,” explained the H-1 FST Support Equipment Systems Lead Engineer, Kevin Tierney. “We had to reverse engineer the original item, take measurements, develop a CAD model, conduct test prints, verify the size, and determine if it worked on the hoist.”
Once this data was collected, it was shared with the AM IPT and used to create a technical data package (TDP) for the feet. When a TDP is developed, it requires a confguration management (CM) team to create an ECP, a process that could take six months to a year. As part of the AM IPT’s TDP development, the team included technical qualifcations and certifcations of the AM part.
As a result, the NAVAIR CM team was able to develop an abbreviated, one-page Class I Suitable Substitute ECP. This ECP is an expedited Class I that was completed in 10 days for $1,700, a signifcant cost savings from the average $300 thousand ECP.
Approval of the Suitable Substitute ECP
The Suitable Substitute ECP can be a Class I or Class II. The feet requests AM support through the AM IPT, which in turn works on a technical solution and seeks approval from both the FST and the supporting program offce. Once an ECP is fnalized, it is loaded into the NAVAIR Enterprise Change Management (ECM), the command’s online CM tool for review.
In the case of the UH-1Y rescue hoist chain guard cover, PMA-276 uploaded the ECP along with the TDP produced by the AM IPT. The Suitable Substitute ECP was loaded into the ECM on August 12. CM reviewers had all the information needed to determine that the hoist chain covers were an ideal part for the Suitable Substitute ECP process, and less
than two weeks later, the program offce received the frst Suitable Substitute ECP implementation letter.
Benefts to the Warfghter
The UH-1Y rescue hoist chain guard cover is not a critical part of the aircraft, which also makes it an ideal candidate for the Suitable Substitute ECP. With the approved implementation letter, the FST initiated the process of updating the maintenance manuals to include the AM part as an approved alternate. When an H-1 squadron tries to order the original part and learns there will be a long delay, they will have the information required to order the AM part from their supporting Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS). Each MALS has some AM capability, and some 3D printers can be deployed with MEUs. The expeditionary printers can be operated in a controlled environment and the chain cover can be provided to the deployed feet in a matter of days. Historically, the feet experienced up to a year for this replacement part because it’s often not in stock when needed.
“Due to the low requisition demand for the item, the supply system did not keep assets on the supply shelves so each time a new requisition would come in, supply would need to get a purchase request in place creating acquisition and product lead times before the feet requisition could be flled,” explained Mike Medlin, the H-1 FST Lead Engineer. “Now we can print covers and provide them to the squadron in less than a week.”
PMA-276’s H-1 Sustainment Assistant Program Manager for Systems Engineering, Joe Risalek, said this new manufacturing process is a welcomed improvement to support the Marine Corps. “This was a team effort, and it is exciting to have a Get Real Get Better victory for the feet as we continue to advance AM capability. NAVAIR exists to support the warfghter so everything we do should be helping them.”
The chain guard covers will be produced on an asneeded basis, with the expectation of fve to seven covers to be printed each year.
PMA-276 manages the cradle to grave procurement, development, support, felding, and disposal of the Marine Corps rotary wing close air support, antiarmor, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance, and fre support program systems.
NAS Patuxent River Recognizes Good Conduct of Personnel
NAS Patuxent River recognized 14 Sailors with their frst Good Conduct Medals at the All Hands Sept. 25. The Navy’s Good Conduct Medal is one of the oldest continuously awarded decorations in the U.S. Navy, tracing its origins back to 1869. It is awarded to Sailors for three years of honorable and faithful service. The Following Sailors were presented with their Good Conduct Medals:
• ET3 Kevin Acierto
•MA3 Dustin Branum
•ABH3 Laura Gentry
• MA2 Thomas Hewitt
•HM2 Chelcey Justiniano
•AC2 Marquell Montue
•MA3 Justin Parent
•AC2 Colby Parry
•MA2 Zachery Pritchard
•MA3 Kyle Reynoldsboley
•AD2 Cameron Rudolph
• MA2 Mercedes Terry
• ABH3 Hubert Turner
• MA2 Hannah Wallace
OPNAV N4 visits Pax River for Cyber Response Concept Development
NAS Patuxent River hosted representatives from the Center for Naval Analyses Sept. 12 for a concept development conference to develop a cyber incident response and recovery plan for Fleet Readiness Centers. The offce of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics (OPNAV N4) chose NAS Patuxent River as the fagship installation from which template plans can be made for other installations Navy-wide
NAS Pax River Search and Rescue Flies Over Commanders Game
NAS Patuxent River Search and Rescue Squadron “SAR Dogs” performed a fyover for the Washington Commanders football game Oct. 6 as part of a pregame patriotic demonstration. Members of the squadron were on the feld and in the air to receive cheers from the nearly packed stadium of fans.
Sonobuoy testing on heavy lift helicopters expands capabilities
From PMA 264
Recent successful testing of hand-launched deployments of sonobuoys from a CH-53E Super Stallion have expanded the capabilities of the aircraft, providing increased fexibility for the U.S. Navy to support Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in the joint environment. Similar testing will soon do the same for the CH-53K King Stallion.
The successful deployments of sonobuoys from a heavy lift helicopter showcases the aircraft’s fexibility and the changing payloads the aircraft will take on as the CH-53K replaces the CH-53E in the feet.
“The H-53 is purpose-built to carry heavy loads, but that’s not the limit of our operational relevance,” said Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager, Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Offce (PMA-261). “This test is just one example of the untapped capabilities of the H-53. Future payloads and the evolution of the H-53 in the battlespace are limited only by our imagination.”
PMA-261, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21) and Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Offce (PMA-264) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, conducted the sonobuoy tests, which were overseen by Adam Chesser, H-53 Lead Test Engineer, and performed over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Virginia.
“We evaluated the procedures and separation characteristics to ensure the sonobuoys would not strike the aircraft when launched,” said Chesser. “Clearing the heavy lift aircraft for sonobuoy deployment creates another level of redundancy for the Navy and provides more resources and fexibility to complete the mission.”
The successful tests were also accomplished with a signifcant savings in time and money, according to Joe Pham, Assistant Program Manager for Test and Evaluation at PMA-261.
“By exploring and using an alternative test range option to alleviate scheduling and funding constraints, we were able to execute the test on time and save cost to the program,” he said.
PMA-261 manages the cradle-to-grave procurement, development, support, felding, and disposal of the entire family of H-53 heavy lift helicopters.
PMA-264 plays a critical role in developing, acquiring and sustaining airborne ASW systems and sensor requirements for the Fleet, the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program offce, the H-60 Helicopter program offce, the Persistent Maritime and the Unmanned Aerial Systems program offce, and the Navy and Marine Corps Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Air Systems program offce.
Hand-launched deployments of sonobuoys from a CH-53E Super Stallion showcases the aircraft’s flexibility and various payloads the heavy lift helicopter can take on.
Navy Force test squadron changes command
From NAWCAD Public Affairs
Cmdr. Jessica Barrientos relieved Cmdr. Charles Larwood as the commanding offcer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Oct. 3.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the commanding offcer of this outstanding squadron,” said Larwood. “VX-20 plays a critical role in the advancement of naval aviation, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. Thank you to each member of this squadron for your dedication and hard work— your commitment has made this experience truly unforgettable.”
Larwood, a native of Roswell, Georgia, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004 with a degree in quantitative economics and later earned a master’s in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School. He has extensive experience as a P-8A pilot, serving in key roles including commanding offcer of Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 45 and operations offcer of VP-8, as well as various positions during his P-3C operational tour. His shore assignments include serving as the government fight test director for P-8A and test pilot at VX-20, where he contributed to numerous testing projects. With more than 3,000 fight hours in more than 25 aircraft types, Larwood has received multiple awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal. Following today’s change of command, Larwood will be retiring from the U.S. Navy.
“VX-20 tests emerging technologies that not only enhance our capabilities but also strengthen our national defense,” said Barrientos. “After more than six years of supporting VX-20, I am honored to take the helm and lead such a dedicated team. Together, we will continue to uphold our commitment to excellence, fostering innovation and teamwork as we serve our mission and support our nation. I look forward to the
challenges ahead and the opportunity to build on the strong legacy of this squadron.”
Barrientos assumes command after serving as VX20’s chief test pilot. A native of Chicago, Illinois, she is a U.S. Naval Academy alumna. After earning her naval fight offcer wings in 2007, she completed two Western Pacifc deployments with Airborne Command & Control
Cmdr. Jessica Barrientos (left) relieved Cmdr. Charles Larwood (right) as the commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Oct. 3. VX-20 is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, under the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). With facilities in Patuxent River, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida, NAWCAD advances capability and operational readiness for naval aviation.
Squadron (VAW) 113, known as “Black Eagles,” in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a Class 140 graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, she played a key role in testing E-2 and C-2 aircraft, ultimately leading the E-2/C-2 Integrated Test Team. Her operational experience includes supporting the frst deployment of the E-2D aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and serving in various leadership roles, refecting her commitment to enhancing naval capabilities.
VX-20 is responsible for active fight testing and evaluation in all phases of the weapons system life cycle, including aircraft carrier suitability testing, navigation, aerial refueling, strategic airborne communications, airborne surveillance and intelligence collection, airborne early warning systems, carrier onboard delivery, and advanced training aircraft missions.
VX-20 is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, under the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). With facilities in Patuxent River, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida, NAWCAD advances capability and operational readiness for naval aviation.
Cmdr. Jessica Barrientos speaks shortly after taking command of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Oct. 3. VX20 is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, under the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). With facilities in Patuxent River, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida, NAWCAD advances capability and operational readiness for naval aviation.
PMA-265 and RCAF partnership achieves major milestone with Hornet Extension Project
From PMA 265 Public Affairs
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) recently announced that the CF-18 Hornet Extension Project (HEP) achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC), a signifcant accomplishment in a fve-year collaborative effort with the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Offce (PMA-265). This milestone marks the delivery of the frst six HEP2 upgraded fghter aircraft to 3 Wing Bagotville, Canada. In total, 84 aircraft will be upgraded through this project, which will provide all aircraft with HEP 1 interoperability upgrades and 36 aircraft with HEP 2 combat capability upgrades.
The RCAF collaborated with PMA-265’s Canadian Foreign Military Sales (FMS) team to procure various systems and weapons for the HEP. PMA-265’s FMS team facilitated these procurements to meet the RCAF’s tight deadlines.
The extension project enhances the RCAF’s CF18 Hornets with advanced weapons and avionics capabilities, ensuring the aircraft remain deployable and interoperable as it supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s mission to protect North America. This project is crucial for maintaining RCAF readiness as it transitions from the CF-18 fghters to the next-generation CF-35A, anticipated to be fully operational in the early 2030s.
“Achieving this milestone and ensuring the timely delivery of the frst six aircraft required extensive coordination and cooperation among industry partners, PMA-265 and the Navy F/A-18 enterprise, including the Air Weapons Laboratory and radar teams at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake,” said PMA-265 Canadian and Spanish F/A18 Program Manager Don Valentine. “By executing procurement of weapons, hardware and software products to meet RCAF’s milestones, PMA-265 has provided the necessary support that has made the RCAF Hornet program an active and signifcant participant in international operations.”
Looking ahead, Full Operational Capability is expected in spring 2026, when all 84 CF-18s will be delivered, upgraded and operational.
PMA-265 has partnered with the RCAF for almost 45 years. Since April 1980, PMA-265’s FMS team has supported the RCAF by facilitating aircraft upgrades through U.S. Navy-developed engineering change proposals and various efforts, including procurement, delivery and integration of the Joint Direct Attack Munition weapons system, procurement and incorporation of the Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat as well as upgrades to the aircrew trainer.
PMA-265 provides critical current and future capabilities in the form of total life cycle support management for the F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler weapons systems. It is responsible for acquiring, delivering and sustaining the F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft, ensuring mission success for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators, as well as international partners to include Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland.
A North American Aerospace Defense Command CF-18 Hornet takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julia Lebens)
