The team responsible for improving modification times on the U.S. Navy’s critical E-6B Mercury fleet shared how “Get Real, Get Better” behaviors paved the way for their success in this week’s all new episode of AirWaves.
The U.S. Navy this summer accepted the first Block II E-6B Mercury upgraded entirely by Northrop Grumman Corp., an initiative that is slashing modification times thanks to Get Real, Get Better practices implemented by the Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271).
Extensive teamwork and coordination recently delivered new communications equipment for aviators conducting missions in support of our nation’s nuclear command, control and communications.
The equipment will allow the E-6B Mercury to conduct troubleshooting, maintenance, security requirements and upgrades from the ground, saving flight hours, fuel and money. The result is a greater number of mission-capable aircraft, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Two Program Executive Office (PEO) Air Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission (A) programs were recognized during a Jan. 25 Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Commander’s Awards ceremony.
“The competition was fierce but you went above and beyond in delivering the capability, availability, and affordability that our warfighter needs,” said RDML John Dougherty IV, commander, NAWCAD.
The Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications program office’s (PMA-271) Chief Engineer, Matt Guernsey was selected as Individual Achievement in Engineering in the Department of Defense’s 2022 Defense Acquisition Workforce Awards.
“Matt is a brilliant leader with the vision to tackle exceptionally difficult challenges, formulate technically sound strategies and inspire his teams to achieve greatness,” said Capt. Adam Scott, PMA-271 program manager.
Program Executive Office Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO (A)) welcomed new leadership in a brief ceremony July 29 at the Pentagon.
Maj. Gen. Greg Masiello transferred leadership to Mr. Gary Kurtz with Mr. Tommy Ross, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Navy (ASN) research, development and acquisition (RDA) presiding over the event.
“I just want to say thank you for your leadership. Thank you for everything you've done for the Navy,” said Ross.
The E-6B Mercury provides an important link in the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrence. It allows survivable communication between the president and the triad of nuclear weapon systems – bombers, missile fields, and ballistic missile submarines.
Sustaining this mission while preparing for the future is becoming even more important as global competition grows.
The E-6B Mercury is a communications relay and strategic airborne command post aircraft. It provides survivable, reliable and endurable airborne Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) for the president, secretary of defense and U.S. Strategic Command.
