The CH-53K King Stallion test team, part of the Heavy Lift Program Office, PMA-261, is the recipient of the Department of the Navy Test and Evaluation Working Integrated Product Team (WIPT) award for 2021.
The 18-person WIPT will be honored in a virtual ceremony this spring. According to the award announcement the team, “demonstrated superior performance in delivering outcomes while overcoming significant challenges in execution.”
The Navy announced initial operational capability (IOC) for the CMV-22B Osprey, confirming the platform’s operational readiness following the successful completion of its maiden deployment, on Feb. 18, 2022.
The aircraft was formally declared IOC on Dec. 14, 2021, aligning with the scheduled first-quarter fiscal year requirement.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has signed a Letter of Acceptance with the United States government to purchase the CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter on December 30.
“We’re happy the IAF recognizes the unrivaled capabilities and performance of the K and have chosen to move forward with us,” said Colonel Jack Perrin, Program Manager, heavy lift helicopter program office (PMA-261). “Welcome to the CH-53K family!”
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 Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) KC-130J integrated product team successfully completed full operational capability. The 10th and final aircraft modified to the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit (HAWK) Plus (HH+) configuration was delivered to the Fleet Marine Forces, Aug. 26.
The Naval Air Systems Command recognized an impressive production streak this week with the 100th consecutive on-time delivery of the AH-1Z Viper, the Marine’s attack helicopter.
“Of all of the domestic AH-1Zs delivered to date, 91 percent of them have been on-time,” said Col Vasilios Pappas, PMA-276 program manager. “This is a feat only possible through the determination of our production team and the program’s strong relationship with our industry partners and suppliers.”
The CH-53K King Stallion successfully recovered a Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Mount Hogue in the White Mountains of California on Sunday, September 5. The two-day operation was the first official fleet mission for the Marine Corps’ new heavy lift capability, which is in the midst of Initial Operational Test and Evaluation with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Ca.
A contract to build nine CH-53K™ King Stallion™ helicopters with an additional contract option for nine more aircraft was awarded to Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company on June 25.
The Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Lot 5 contract will deliver nine aircraft in 2024 as part of a 200 aircraft program of record for the U.S. Marine Corps. The Lot 5 contract contains an option for Lot 6, for an additional nine aircraft with a contract award in FY22.
Ms. Beth Tobler is the 2021 recipient of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) (ASN (RD&A)) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Engineers of the Year Award. Ms. Tobler was recognized in a virtual ceremony on June 25.
“We have a great team at PMA-274 and I am very honored to be singled out for an award,” said Beth Tobler. “I was completely surprised by the nomination!”
