Navy’s Future Vertical Lift (Maritime Strike) Passes Key Milestone: Completes Gate 2 R3B

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).  

H-1, H-60, H-53, and V-22 Aircrew Obtain Aerial Gunnery Qualifications Through Local Training Exercise

A unique training opportunity for H-1, H-60, H-53, and V-22 aircrew members provided a rare opportunity for aircrews to regain aerial gunnery qualifications in a cost-efficient manner. The multi-program training was completed on July 11 at the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River firing tunnel, hosted by Air Vehicle Stores Compatibility (AVSC) H-1 Engineering Technician, Michael Hunt.  

H-60 product support manager awarded for improved readiness, excellence

Troy Seifert, H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters Program Office (PMA-299) product support manager (PSM), was named Sustainment/Logistics Manager/Specialist of the Year during an Aug. 10 ceremony for the annual Michael G. Simodejka Awards. The hybrid event was hosted at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst.

Seahawk maintenance advances U.S. and Australian navy partnership, readiness

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.

PMA-299 awarded for international acquisition excellence

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.

H-60 program achieves readiness goals, lowers costs through NSS-A and other readiness initiatives

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.

CH-53K King Stallion logs first successful fleet mission

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.

PMA-299 recognizes 10 years of Australian mateship

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.