A C-40A Clipper is able to three configurations: all cargo, all passenger, or mixture. The VR-57 staff labored late into the evening Might 16 after the plane arrived at 6:30 p.m. to make sure the reconfiguration or “re-rig” from mixture to all passenger can be full the next day for lifts supporting Service Air Wing (CVW-5).
“VR-57’s INDOPACOM detachment was tasked with re-rigging plane 836 from a mixture configuration to a passenger configuration with the intention to help CVW-5 for his or her upcoming underway interval,” stated Detachment Officer in Cost Cmdr. David Perez. “The passenger configuration offers us the flexibility to maneuver 121 passengers, in comparison with the 69 passenger capability within the mixture configuration.”
So as to accomplish the reconfiguration, the VR-57 required using a Ok-loader. Although the entire U.S. Ok-loaders had been in use in the course of the required time-frame, the squadron was in a position to coordinate with the Japanese Maritime Self Protection Power (JMSDF) to make use of a JMSDF Ok-loader and forklift, in addition to help from a number of JMSDF personnel.
“The entire course of concerned our aircrew and upkeep guiding the JMSDF forklift into our hangar, retrieving the pallets containing the seats and closets required to complete the reconfiguration,” stated Perez. “The pallets had been then loaded onto the Ok loader, which was guided to the plane by our loadmasters. Following the unloading of all pallets, we gave a giant due to our JMSDF companions and handed out some problem cash. The JMSDF personnel had been superb to work with, and we had been very grateful for his or her help.”
Along with being a shining instance of success born from teamwork with a companion nation, the accomplishment highlighted the caliber of the detachment’s personnel.
“The re-rig was successful solely because of the resourcefulness, professionalism and exhausting work of our detachment upkeep personnel,” stated Perez. “With out their exhausting work, the entire thing would haven’t occurred. I am extremely fortunate to have such an incredible upkeep staff out right here in Atsugi with me. Having plane 836 within the passenger configuration made the complete detachment’s lives quite a bit simpler after we ultimately did fly the lifts for CVW-5.”
VR-57 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Ryan King echoed Perez’s sentiments relating to the exhausting work of the detachment personnel, with an added nod to Perez’s and Chief Aviation Machinist Mate Norris “Chuck” Herron’s management.
“Lt. Cmdr. Perez and Chief Herron had been each completely instrumental on this success,” stated King. “Their management, together with the exhausting work of our Sailors, had been the one cause we had been in a position to pull this off.”
VR-57 is considered one of eleven squadrons assigned to the Navy Reserve’s Fleet Logistics Assist Wing (FLSW). FLSW, with coordination by the Navy Air Logistics Workplace (NALO), stays the Navy’s solely supply of devoted air logistics, offering vital help across the globe with the Ok/C-130T Hercules and C-40A Clipper.
Commander, Naval Air Power Reserve (CNAFR) mans, trains and equips the Naval Air Power Reserve with the intention to present enduring operational help and strategic depth to Navy forces that win in fight.
