SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
April 12, 2013
Vol. 30. No. 14
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
VR-62 aircrew prepare to depart for NAVCENT Detachment. (Photo courtesy of VR-62)
VR-62 Nomads Receive Coveted Battle "E" Award by awfcs michael wendelin VR-62 Public Affairs
F
or the fifth time in its rich history, the “Nomads” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 62 have brought home the coveted Battle “E” award. Also known as the Noel Davis Trophy, the Battle “E” is an annual award given by Commander, Naval Air Forces Reserve recognizing battle efficiency. VR-62 is one of five Navy Reserve C-130 Squadrons that call Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella their temporary home. VR-62, part of the Fleet Logistics Support Wing, has been coming to NAS Sigonella to serve the European Command’s (EUCOM) various logistics needs for more than 15 years. VR-62 transferred its home base from Brunswick, Maine in 2009 resulting in a loss of the majority of reserve members. In FY2012, at its new home at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, VR-62 was able to overcome the challenge of rebuilding its entire organization while continuing to meet the demands of normal tasking. As if that weren’t enough, in 2012, three of the four C-130 Hercules aircraft that the “Nomads” operate
had to be upgraded with new avionics and propeller control systems. VR-62 used this unique leadership opportunity to develop new operational procedures for the entire Navy C-130 fleet. VR-62 instructor pilots, using engineering working papers and their own professional expertise, devised systems training and orientation flights for the squadron. VR-62's systems, processes, and training methodologies then helped the Naval Air Systems Command Airworthiness Office produce new flight clearances and new publications for the avionics and propeller control systems. As the first fleet operator of the new systems, the “Nomads” went on to train other C-130T squadrons for the Navy. The Nomads fly essentially two types of missions, Naval Aviation Logistics Office (NALO) missions that originate or terminate in the continental U.S., and theatre support missions at one of three detachment sites located at NAS Sigonella, Sicily, NAF Atsugi, Japan, and NSA Bahrain. In FY2012, the Nomads flew 2,448 flight hours mishapfree, delivering 2,231 personnel and 3.25 million pounds
of cargo to the fleet. In addition to the squadron's NALO tasking, the Nomads operated for 222 days in detached operations in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Vigilant Mariner and others. While on detachment, the Nomads flew 875.1 hours and completed 196 missions, delivering 1,410 personnel, and 2.4 million pounds of cargo. For their efforts in operating during a rapidly changing environment with dedication and professionalism, the awarding of the Battle "E" honors all those who went the extra mile during a very challenging year. A plaque will be presented to VR-62, with the permanent trophy on display at Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve headquarters.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein
Around Sigonella
Ricotta and Cheese Festival
The Circle of Life
Find out what is happening around NAS Sigonella.
Don't miss the Ricotta and Cheese Festival in Vizzini.
Read about one Marine's unique story.
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