The Navy’s Future Vertical Lift (Maritime Strike) (FVL (MS)) program recently completed its Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), culminating in a Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9) “Gate 2” Resources and Requirements Review Board (R3B).  The board unanimously endorsed the results of the AoA and directed the program to proceed with the development of a Capabilities Development Document (CDD) and a Concept of Operations (CONOPS).  

For the first time, the U.S. and Royal Australian Navies have successfully demonstrated a periodic maintenance interval (PMI) on a U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk in Australia. The milestone demonstrates both countries’ commitment to advancing military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Capt. Todd Evans was relieved by Capt. William Hargreaves in a change of command ceremony on Dec. 19. Family, colleagues, and friends witnessed the Multi-mission Helicopters Program Office (PMA-299) welcome Hargreaves as new program manager.

The U.S. and Royal Australian Navies will advance their partnership in a first-ever demonstration of periodic maintenance inspection (PMI) on a U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk in Australia starting October 2022.

The international maintenance demonstration comes 11 years after the H-60 Multi-mission Helicopters Program Office (PMA-299) and Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) foreign military sale for MH-60 Romeo helicopters was established reinforcing more than 100 years of “mateship” between the two countries.

The H-60 Multi-mission Helicopters Program Office (PMA-299) embodies their mission: One team providing world class rotary wing warfighting capability and support to the global maritime community. This was on full display as their international team received the International Acquisition Partnership Award during the Department of the Navy’s Acquisition Excellence Awards ceremony Nov. 4.

The H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters Program Office (PMA-299) recently met its mission capable (MC) goal entirely within its own organic lifelines. The accomplishment was achieved through the PMA’s organic implementation of Naval Sustainment System-Aviation (NSS-A), its Readiness Control Board (RCB) process and a laser-focused commitment to its fleet counterparts.

The H-60 Multi-mission Helicopters Program Office (PMA-299) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) recognized 10 years of partnership on June 6.  In 2011, RAN’s Foreign Military Sale (FMS) case for MH-60 Romeo helicopters was established and the “mateship” between the two countries has continued through life-cycle support and collaboration.

Since case establishment in 2011, the RAN has received 24 aircraft and flown more than 30,000 flight hours with its MH-60R fleet of helicopters.