Naval Aviation

Any moms of E2 or C2 pilots on here? My LO is working on carrier quals in the T45. Just wondering what the next steps look like. 

@AeroArl

After winging he/she will go to the RAG in Norfolk, VAW-120 Gray Hawks, where he/she will learn how to fly the Hawkeye or C2.  Once qualified (CQ again), he/she will patch into an operational squadron.  Operational Hawkeye squadrons are based in Pt. Mugu (4), CA, Norfolk, VA (4) and Iwakuni, Japan (1).

C2 "squadrons"  (detachments of 2 planes) are based in North Island, CA (5 including 1 in Iwakuni, Japan) and Norfolk, VA. (5). 

In 2020 the Navy will begin the transition from the C2 to the CMV-22B Osprey (tilt rotor).  The Marines just started flying their version of the Osprey.  Navy squadrons will be (are) in North Island, CA (1) and Norfolk, VA.  Location of the RAG is to be determined.

The Hawkeye path is more known right now.  I don't know what will become of  the C2 pilots in several years.   Will they become E2 pilots or go with the CMV-22B?  I will try to find out.

I've had several discussions with my nephew who is the Commodore of the E2/C2, MV-22, and MQ-25 Stingray (new unmanned carrier based platform) Fleet.

https://www.cacclw.navy.mil/index.html

Enjoy the ride!

Chris, I would like to remind you that this is an open blog and you need to keep OPSEC in mind. Certainly a lot of this can be found on Navy sites, but you should never give out projected dates, transitions, etc. even if they can be found elsewhere.  Please be more mindful for our LOs safety. Thank you.

AeroArl, my DS is a Lt.Commander in the Hawkeye community. He switched to NFO after pilot training, got winged at N'folk, and went straight Japan for 3 years. He was also an instructor at the "Top Gun" school in Nevada for 3 years. All I can tell you is that the Hawkeye is a different enough platform that there would probably be more training down the lin.

Best of luck to your LO and your family. Even after this many years, the next step is always a roller coaster ride!

Chris, thank you for all the information! Your nephew is very accomplished, your family must be very proud of him! My DS is actually hoping that, after a couple of years, they will also train him for the Osprey, that would give him experience across all the flight platforms.

Thank you Marianne, I figured that he would have a good bit of training to go once he wings. When you say that your DS switched to NFO after pilot training, what did that mean for him? I thought NFO was a whole different training route than pilot.

We have a winging date, but as with everything else in the military, it is subject to change. Does anyone have any hotel/restaurant/things to do recommendations for Meridian?

Thanks for the great recommendations, Suzie! Just found out that they took a vote and decided to wing in Pensacola! Didn't know they could do that, but it'll actually be easier for us to get there.

And he's BACK!  6+months of deployment and he's back on home soil.  Still winding his way home to his wife and son.  Not sure when we will get to see him, but it's sufficient knowing he's back.  He will have only 2 weeks at home before leaving again for 3 months to Top Gun.  Navy life isn't easy, is it?  

Suzie, GOOD NEWS!  Our family is praying for yours.

Wonderful news! 

Suzie,

Thrilled for your DS! I am sorry for your loss and tough year.

Suzie - I, too, am sorry for your losses this past year but happy that your DS has received the great news he's been waiting for...  I'm sure our DS will be thrilled to hear his news as well!

We wish him (and you) the best always!

Wonderful news Suzie! So happy for your son and your family!

Congrats to you and your DS, Suzie!  Prayers that the roller coaster ride is over and that you are on top now!

My DS is in Primary in Corpus and is having his tie cutting on Friday!  My husband and I are heading out to be there too!

redheadlass, 

Good luck to your son.  Corpus is a fun place.  A bit humid and full of interesting weather!  I will have more info on what it actually is when we get back, but from what I've gathered, after a SNA's first solo, they have a ceremony and cut off a part of a tie to symbolize that they are no longer "tied" to their on-wing, or to the ground.

Andy'sMom,

Cool! Yes, please pass on more information after you attend the ceremony. Good luck to your son! Have fun visiting with him!  

And he did it!  Graduated from Topgun last week.  13 weeks of non stop flying and studying.  He loved it!  He is finally back home with his wife and son.  Best news for me...they are coming to visit during their leave time!  We will have all kids and grandkids together for 5 days.  Pure heaven!

Congrats CheriH .  My nephew went through ten years ago.  Top Gun may be on the horizon for my son. 

Congratulations CheriH to your son and your family! Huge accomplishment and a lot of work to get there!

My DS recently received his wings of gold and is scheduled to move to San Diego soon to begin training on "Romeos," MH-60R Seahawks -- not sure I said that right but I will learn  :-)  He is trying to figure out the housing market there and where to move. Does any one have any suggestions? Obviously he doesn't want to be toooo far from the base. 

So excited for you and your DS, Suzie!  What a detour that has been. But surely the Lord has used it to grow him and his faith. Our DS did TOPGUN this past summer.  It was challenging and demanding, but I don't think he's ever been more excited. Congrats and best wishes for 2020!

@Suzie  I wish there was a like button on here.  Great news.  As you all may have heard, the three sailors killed in Pensacola were posthumously awarded their Wings Of Gold.  Now back to the Army/Navy game...three years in a row is too much.  Go Navy!

Thank God for healing your son Suzie and for the opportunity for him to continue in service to our country.  My DS will be the lead pilot for the fly-over of the NFL game tomorrow in Charlotte, our hometown Seahawks vs. Panthers.  Sure wish I could be there to see it! Peace and God's blessings to you all.

Suzie - great news for your DS; our DS is definitely enjoying this 'instructor' role and was happy to hear that your DS will have similar opportunities.

Happy Holidays!

Suzie -So glad to hear your DS is back to good health and pursuing his dream!

Fantastic news about your DS, Suzie. I imagine your son is excited to get back into the game. 

Hi all,

I need some words of support...my DS didnt pass his DH board for his HAC board....he has decided based on the options he has volunteered to redesignate. He has worked to hard to earn his wings and he didnt want to loose them. Any one else have experience with this or know anyone??

He is hoping to join the CEC community (Civil Engineering) he has a CE degree from PSU and already passed his FE exam. 

Thanks Gina

HeloMOM2016-Your DS has been counseled by his senior staff and has decided to redesignate? 

My son just got selected for the E2 as an SNA. Anyone out there who has a naval aviator flying the E2? 

Redheadlass- My son is an NFO on the E2 Hawkeye. He is currently on his second deployment. He leaves the Hawkeye community within the next few months but has enjoyed his time there. He has seen a lot of the world and gained wonderful experience that will serve him well later on.  Best of luck to your son. The training road is LONG/Difficult....hang on for the ride.

Congratulations Suzie to your DS and your entire family!

Congrat Suzie!

Suzie, that is amazing! Congratulations!!

Suzie, that is amazing! Congratulations!!

Congratulations, Suzie! Another milestone for your Naval aviator!

Our DS celebrated his 23rd year in the Navy this year in a big way. The Navy gave him a military complex! Unfortunately we were unable to attend his Change of Command due to COVID19 restrictions on international travel. Fortunately the installation posted photos on their social media accounts. It looked really neat and we are beyond proud. Today we were able to log in to watch his first Virtual Town Hall meeting. It was like having him in the living room except on the big tv. LOL. Their household goods arrived yesterday and they moved into their house. They have been living in hotels, apartments and out of suitcases for two months. They bought a car as their car may not arrive until next month. Oh, and their Express Pack which left CA in May, it’s in Virginia. The kids start school Monday. We hope we can visit them in the Spring. We have reservations but who knows. Living in the Pandemic.  

Make sure your sailors get to vote this year! FVAP.GOV released the timelines for mailing ballots back to the US. They will need to have their ballots very early. I have the information for Europe and I was surprised. Deployed FPO AE has to mail them back by 9 October. Landbased Europe APO AE has to mail theirs by 19 October. If your service member needs assistance direct them to the Federal Voter Assistance Program at FVAP.GOV. 

Congrats Suzie!!!!  I know how proud and excited you are.  My son graduated last summer.  Where is he going next?

Helomom, that is amazing! Congratulations to your son!

Any C2 mom's out there with LO's stationed in Japan? What is it like for them and what do they wish they had known before getting there?

Thanks, Glenni! We were flying home last December when we got a strange text from him about the family going to this foreign city to check it out in July. We thought, interesting. He must be looking at a big summer vacation. It was about a week before we got the Official news. He had 6 months of course work scheduled in Texas, DC, Newport, and CA prior to leaving. He had just finished the Texas coursework when COVID19 hit. All of a sudden all coursework became online. Then all PSC moves were frozen, especially all moves outside CONUS. Finally they packed out the beginning of June and moved into the Navy Lodge with their 2 suitcases per person allowance for travel and the dog. Finally in July they were off and traveling, arriving at their destination and going into 14 day ROM in the Navy Lodge at their destination. That was followed by a 10 day “get up to speed quick transition“, change of command, outgoing CO and his family left, and he has hit the ground running. Lots to learn and lots to do. We are still hoping to visit in April. 

I'm a bit behind on the posts here...so Congrats Helomom on your son's achievements!  That is amazing.  I sure hope you get to visit...wherever he is.  I know you are proud of him and his family...that is the reward for all the sacrifices we make!  So, a big pat on the back to you and a Navy Mom Hug!!!

Thanks, CheriH! It has been a wild time, this Navy career of his. This assignment is the biggest yet. Their kids are excited, his oldest is a junior this year so she will be graduating from the DoDEA school. The younger one is entering middle school. Their school is a middle school/high school combo. They actually have a foreign language class together. We talked to them last weekend and got a video tour of their house on base. He lives in Flag Officer country. Hahaha. They didn’t ship enough furniture to fully decorate the place so housing is providing extra stuff to “properly” fill their entertaining spaces indoors and out. Fun stuff! 

Congratulations Helomom to your son and your family!

Has anyone here had to arrange a HHG shipment for their LO overseas? Any helpful hints? This is for a smaller, under 1,000 pounds, shipment. Thank you!

My son is preparing to take the ASTB in January. He's a midshipman 1st class and will graduate and commission next December. Does anybody have any suggestions? He's an Aerospace engineering major with a high GPA, so he's strong in math and science and knows a good bit about aviation.

Glenni,

There is a wealth of information regarding the ASTB on www.airwarriors.com .  Your son should look there.

Thank you Chris! I think he's pretty familiar with that page. But I'll remind him to check there as he makes final preparations.