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HistoryCMO-10 HistoryHistory

Circa 2009

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Consolidated Maintenance Organization Disestablished By MC2 Tucker Yates - NPASE Det. NW - Thursday, July 16, 2009..." WebSite: NorthWest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/ [17JUL2009]

Consolidated Maintenance Organization (CMO) 10 was disestablished during a ceremony at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington July 7.

The event marked the final CMO of three in the maritime patrol and reconnaissance community to be disestablished. CMO 10 was established May 16, 2008 and disestablished after approximately 14 months of service.

"Today we mark the end of Consolidated Maintenance Organization 10, and though commemorating the disestablishment of any naval unit may be filled with emotion, I'd also like to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of CMO 10's successes," said Capt. Ken Seliga, commodore of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, and keynote speaker. "Though it may have been a short-lived unit, the Sailors of CMO 10 achieved so much in a short period of time."

Nearly 1,100 Sailors collaborated as the CMO-10 "Sea Wolves" maintaining P-3C Orion aircraft for four patrol squadrons (VPs) and EP-3E Aries II aircraft for two fleet air reconnaissance squadrons (VQs). The result of their efforts was more than 3,200 P-3 launches and almost 1,300 EP-3 flights, reaching a total of more than 25,000 flight hours.

"In the course of fourteen brief months, we witnessed the creation of this unit from the ground up to become a fully functioning organization because of the tremendous efforts of the Sailors you see seated here today and about six hundred others who are presently deployed or have already transitioned back to fleet squadrons," said Seliga.

The CMO was initially established to facilitate contractor-driven maintenance for the upcoming conversion to the P-8A Poseidon aircraft which will be replacing the Orion. As it became evident that the maintainers for the aircraft would primarily be Sailors, the decision to return to the former maintenance department configuration was made.

"With the projection of a virtually all-Sailor maintenance force working on the Poseidon, the decision to revert back to ‘organic' maintenance was inevitable," said Seliga. "As we examine the possibilities of airframe selection to replace the EP-3 in the next fifteen years, that analysis also reveals that the VQ squadrons will be structured with organic maintenance departments."

Leading the Sea Wolves since their establishment has been Cmdr. Gil Hageman, CMO 10 commanding officer. Hageman was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his contributions but deferred the credit to his maintenance professionals and accepted the award on their behalf.

"Over the past fourteen months [these Sailors] have impressed me in more ways than time will permit me to recount. When I arrived in Whidbey last spring, I immediately sensed the professionalism displayed every day, in every task. You work tirelessly to keep these seasoned EP-3s and P-3s flying," said Hageman.

"These aircraft are not easy to maintain. Couple that with the extremely capable mission systems on each EP-3 aircraft, and you have a high-visibility, high-demand asset critical to our nation's national security. I stand here to remind you, what you do matters," added Hageman.

Maintenance personnel who were a part of CMO 10 will be transferred to other squadrons into their maintenance departments.

"These men and women have made the commitment to serve and will continue to represent the principles and values of our country around the world, no matter what patch they wear," said Hageman. "These fine volunteers did their job proudly prior to the establishment of CMO 10, and I have no doubt they will continue to serve in their ‘World Watcher' and ‘Sandie-Man' squadrons with pride and honor."

© 2009 Sound Publishing, Inc.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraLCDR Timothy Oswalt "...VP-46 Begins New Maintenance Chapter By LT(jg) Michael Para - Thursday, May 14, 2009 (Squadrons Mention: VP-46 and CMO-10)..." WebSite: NorthWest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/ [15MAY2009]

Photograph Caption: LCDR Matthew Foster, VP-46, signs an ‘A' sheet with Senior Chief Richard Romanowski, left, and Maintenance Master Chief James Campbell, officially taking responsibility of aircraft 160763.

May 5 marked a historic day as the Grey Knights of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 closed the chapter on VP consolidated maintenance. After a two week reintegration, Grey Knight maintainers successfully launched and recovered aircraft 160763 from VP-46 via a newly re-established maintenance department.

NAS Whidbey Island, Washington P-3 organizational maintenance had been handled since by CMO-10 since May 2008. The unit combined maintenance controls, aircraft parts, tools and personnel from five previously separate squadrons into one organization.

The new VP-46 maintenance department, headed by maintenance officer Lt. Cmdr. Derek Adametz, was compelled to start from scratch, and form an entire maintenance program.

"We setup and re-established over 42 individual programs," he said. "Each program was a monumental task to make sure every one was taken care of and 100 percent ready".

Additionally, maintenance branch officers were required to stand up their individual work centers, establish responsibilities, and ensure all personnel had the classes and qualifications needed for their jobs.

On April 13, VP-46 welcomed back more than 200 maintainers from CMO-10. The next two weeks brought an extensive quality assurance groom to prepare the department for "Safe for Flight" certification.

Following a highly successful inspection administered by VP-46 parent wing (CPRW-10), the Grey Knights were authorized to perform maintenance, inspect, QA, sign for, launch, and recover its own aircraft.

Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Edward Wheeler, a former CMO-10 technician, was the lineman chosen for the first aircraft launch. Piloting aircraft 160763, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Foster and Cmdr. Carlos Sardiello took to the skies on a local area training event.

When asked about how it felt to be a part of such a milestone, Wheeler responded, "It felt pretty good. I am thankful for the chance to do something like that for the command."

Although the Grey Knights maintenance team is once again new, they still uphold the values and traditions of being the "Oldest and the Best".

© 2009 Sound Publishing, Inc.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-40 History "...Fighting Marlins Take Part In Under Sea Warfare Eexercise by LT(jg) Jason Dietz VP-40 - Thursday, March 26, 2009 (Squadrons Mentioned: VP-5, VP-8, VP-9, VP-40, VP-47 and maintainers from CMO-2, CMO-10, CMO-11 and CPRW-2..." WebSite: Northwest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/ [27MAR2009]

Photograph Caption: The Fighting Marlins of VP-40 recently participated in take part in an under sea warfare exercise with the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group off the coast of Okinawa.The Fighting Marlins of VP-40 recently took part in the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group Under Sea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) out of NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan.

One of the largest exercises in recent years, the exercise was conducted overseas in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. The event took place off the coast of Okinawa and included participants from the Stennis strike group, forward deployed naval forces from CTF-70, maritime patrol forces from CTF-72, three surface ships, three submarines as well as three P-3 aircrews from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The Fighting Marlins, along with VP-5, VP-8, VP-9, VP-47 and maintainers from CMO-2, CMO-10 and CMO-11, formed a combined detachment under the leadership of Commander, CPRW-2, encompassing sixteen combat aircrews and eight P-3s. They provided continuous 24-hour operational support to the Strike Group throughout the exercise and stood ready alerts able to react to any potential real world events.

The exercise spanned over five days of around-the-clock operations including several weeks of joint planning with the Strike Group, who was en-route to their six-month Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.

With an average of three planes airborne at any given time during the exercise, the maintainers tirelessly worked to have aircraft available for real world events including the numerous scheduled exercise events. As expected, they answered the challenge, launching fifty-one sorties of the fifty-two scheduled over the course of the exercise.

For the Combat aircrews from VP-40 the exercise provided invaluable "real world" experience in a dynamic and fast paced environment.

The crews successfully balanced the high operational demands and minimum turn-around times without missing a beat. In the condensed time span of the exercise, the detachment amassed just over three hundred flight hours.

The four Marlin aircrews flew over one hundred hours during sixteen events, which accounted for one-third of the total flight time. They were directly responsible for seven of the fifteen simulated submarine kills by maritime patrol forces during the exercise, highlighting the ASW operational capabilities of the VP Community.

The success of the strike group laid the foundation for future major exercises within 7th Fleet.

© 2009 Sound Publishing, Inc.


Circa 2008

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraLT Andy Morrison "...Grey Knights Give to Djibouti Orphansa - By LT(jg) Karl Cummings VP-46 Public Affairs - Thursday, December 11, 2008.." WebSite: NorthWest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/ [12DEC2008]

Photograph Caption: Lt. Andy Morrison of VP-46 spends time with orphans in Djibouti. Photographer: YN2 James Windsor

For many Sailors, deployment feels like a time to bear down, work hard, and push through six months of operations before seeing their loved ones again. For others, deployment to an impoverished, but developing country provides the perfect opportunity to serve not only their country, but also their fellow man.

The men and women of the Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 Grey Knights and the CMO-10 Sea Wolves had the opportunity to fulfill both of those ideals over the last six months.

During their time in Djibouti, a small African nation at the mouth of the Red Sea, the men and women of VP-46 and CMO-10 have given to the local community as often as they could.

In August they helped refurbish a local elementary school, sent their flight surgeon to Ethiopia on a Medical Civil Action Project (MEDCAP) dedicated to providing healthcare to four needy villages in Ethiopia, and in the last two months, with the help from their families back home, they have reached out to local orphanages.

Support from the spouses of the Sailors back home on Whidbey Island was critical to the effort.

The VP-46 Officer Spouse's Club (OSC), under the leadership of the commanding and executive officers' wives Erin Sardiello and Shauna Hamilton respectively, began the goodwill projects by organizing an extremely successful donation drive, collecting more than 20 boxes of goods that were then shipped to Djibouti with the help of both Reconnaissance Squadrons (VA) 1 and 2.

These squadrons greatly assisted the effort by facilitating the transport of collected diapers, children's clothes and toys on regularly scheduled rotations to the Middle East. From there VP46 got the gifts to Djibouti and ready for delivery.

A dozen members of the Grey Knights and Sea Wolves participated in the first such visit, to a boys orphanage. Upon arrival, all members were greeted by 30 smiling, happy faces. While unable to communicate in their native languages (French and Somali), the VP-46 and CMO-10 team said their time spent together was mutually beneficial.

Both sides enjoyed playing basketball and soccer together, and all of the orphans were excited to receive much needed donations of clothing, shoes and sandals, school supplies, and crafts. For their part, the Sailors were uplifted to see the positive impact on the children simply by spending time with them.

"It was a reassuring testament to humanity for us to see the natural charm and high spirits of a group of boys that are so disadvantaged by American standards," said Lt. Dave Hunt, who organized the trip.

A second visit, coordinated through the Navy Camp Chaplain's office, allowed Sailors to visit an orphanage for infants and toddlers.

Led by the Executive Officer, Cmdr. Mark Hamilton, five more Sailors delivered boxes of bottles, diapers, toys, and other needed items to the babies. When the Sailors arrived they were jarred by the reality of the conditions.

The orphanage housed more than 50 infants, cared for by only a small volunteer staff. Most children were on a large porch, enduring the constant nuisance of summer heat and swarms of flies.

"[The] flies were everywhere, but the care of the staff and volunteers didn't seem to phase the overall feeling of hope [for] the place," said Yeoman 3rd Class James Windsor.

The Sailors spent their time fulfilling the children's repeated requests to be picked up and held. With content babies in their arms and the Catholic head-mother thrilled to receive the donations, the Sailors stayed to work alongside the under staffed locals helping feed the children before putting them to sleep in their small cribs.

"I'm glad to have been given the opportunity to see another side of life," Windsor said. "It was an eye opening experience that I will not forget."

© 2008 Sound Publishing, Inc.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-46 History "...Djibouti School Gets Facelift By LT(jg) Karl Cummings - VP-46 reporter - Thursday, August 21, 2008..." WebSite: NorthWest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/ [29AUG2008]

Photograph Caption: Members of VP-46 outside the school where they spent a day refurbishing classrooms.

On a sweltering day in the Horn of Africa, a small school in the nation of Djibouti received a day of pampering courtesy of 16 members of VP-46 and CMO-10's detachment there. The effort is part of a renovation project hosted by the Community Assistance Volunteer program and supported by the Navy Seabees of Camp Lemonier.

"This was a very rewarding experience for the Sailors who were able to participate," said Cmdr. Mark Hamilton, executive officer. "For most of us, this was our first day off in two months. I am proud this detachment chose to donate their collective time and effort to help rebuild and beautify a Djiboutian village school."

The VP-46 / CMO-10 team arrived in the rural town of Damerjog to what could almost be described as a rock star welcome.

"From the time the bus drove into town until we drove away late that afternoon, the children of the town were excited to see Americans," explained volunteer Lt.j.g. Jason Locke. "They ran after the bus and followed us through town to the school, overjoyed to get the water and snacks service members handed out."

When they arrived at the school, a group of local students began working alongside the Sailors removing papers and posters on the walls. Observing the students working beside him and others, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class

Brandon Heppler said, "Educating youth is one of our most important responsibilities and if I can spend a few hours of off-duty time helping to improve the learning atmosphere for these kids by painting walls, then I'm all for it."

By the end of the day, two additional rooms that were not part of the original project were ready to host students, all thanks to the teamwork and initiative of the Navy volunteers and the local community working alongside the Grey Knights and Sea Wolves.

Taking stock of the day's efforts, Hamilton noted, "It certainly makes one thankful for what we inherently have as an American, and appreciate the difficulties others around the world face."

The school is planning to capitalize on the momentum begun by VP-46 / CMO-10. It intends to use the refurbished rooms as a secondary school to keep students in the classroom beyond the standard primary education.

© 2008 Sound Publishing, Inc.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "... Sailors Support Local Community While Deployed to El Salvador - Story Number: NNS080805-15 - Release Date: 8/5/2008 3:53:00 PM - From Forward Operating Location Comalapa Public Affairs..." WebSite: NAVY.MIL http://www.news.navy.mil/ [29AUG2008]

COMALAPA, El Salvador (NNS) -- Personnel and Sailors deployed to Forward Operating Location (FOL), with VP-40, Sea Operations Detachment and CMO-10, volunteered their time and skills during a local community relations project July 25.

Volunteers worked together to build two houses in nearby San Rafael and Los Angeles. The Sailors mixed sand, rocks and cement together, and then transported it to the foundation of certain parts of the houses.

U.S. Coast Guard Sailors work seven days a week on their 30-day deployment at the FOL, but Coast Guard Avionics Electrical Technician 2nd Class Monica Gibson said even though today was her day off, there was no other place she would rather be than assisting a family in need.

"This is an amazing experience. Being able to lend a hand fills the heart. Knowing someone less fortunate and from a few hours of hard work on our part can make a difference in someone's lives, you just can't get a better feeling than that," said Gibson.

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Tasha Newton from Sea Operations Detachment also spent time at the event.

"Helping out here in El Salvador is such a big blessing to me. Giving back to those less fortunate is an experience unable to be described with words. I'm very thankful and happy to be here to lift the spirits of those in need of a helping hand in their community. I couldn't possibly thank of a better way to spend my days. I've made great friends with the people here, and all I can do is smile," said Newton.

Chief Yeoman (SW/AW) Byron L. Shambley is the FOL Comalapa, administrative officer and very active in the command community relations program.

"I enjoy helping people and always look forward in participating in these Habitat for Humanity Projects," Shambley said.

FOL Comalapa's primary mission is to provide logistical support to aerial counter-drug aircraft and their crews from U.S. military and government law enforcement organizations and to promote Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) like community relations projects in the El Salvador area. TSC also includes military-to-military interaction and bilateral training opportunities.

The FOL is under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. 4th Fleet. As the Navy component commander for U.S. Southern Command, NAVSO/4th Fleet oversees maritime operations throughout Latin America, including exercises and deployments, counter illicit trafficking support, and TSC events.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP CMOs from Rick Burgess..." Forwarded by Marco P.J. Borst http://p3orion.nl/ [23JUL2008]

As stated in an interview in the Spring 2008 Wings of Gold magazine, the Navy has taken the unusual step of separating aircraft ownership and maintenance personnel from VP squadrons and created Consolidated Maintenance Organizations (CMOs). At each of three patrol reconnaissance wings (2 (MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii), 10 (Whidbey), and 11 (NAS Jacksonville, Florida), one CMO with a designation that matches the wing (i.e., CMO-11 at CPRW-11 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida) will own all of the P-3 aircraft and the maintenance personnel at the base. The VP squadrons will consist of the aircrews and a handful of admin personnel. When a VP squadron deploys, the CMO will send a maintenance detachment to accompany the squadron at the deployment site.

This situation has been necessitated by the critical shortage of P-3s in the fleet. This also is why tail codes have been deleted from fleet VP aircraft. I do not yet know if the change affects VP-30, which is not part of a wing. I have heard nothing yet about wings adopting wing-wide tail codes.

This situation is unprecedented in U.S. naval aviation history, at least in modern times, to my limited knowledge. The old MATS Navy C-121 and C-130E squadrons had a separate squadron dedicated to maintenance, as did AEWBarRonPac having a separate maintenance unit for its EC-121s. I would be interested in hearing about other exceptions.

Ironically, this move comes as the USAF, which had wing-level aircraft ownership and maintenance at many units, is trending toward squadron ownership and maintenance.

CMO establishment dates (from Naval Aviation News Jul-Aug 2008):

CMO-11 22 Oct 2007
CMO-2 27 Dec 2007
CMO-10 27 Dec 2007

There will be no CMO at NAS Brunswick, Maine because the base is being closed and its squadrons relocated to NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-1 History "...Screaming Eagles Returns to Whidbey Island by MC2 Tucker Yates, Fleet PACEN NW - Friday, June 13, 2008..." WebSite: Northwest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/ [14JUN2008]

Photograph Caption: Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW) Jeremy Vollmer, VP-1, plays with his son, Jacob, during homecoming for the VP-1 Screaming Eagles on NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, June 5. VP-1 returned to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington after a six-month deployment to the eastern Pacific in support of Commander Seventh Fleet and Combined Task Force 72 antisubmarine warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

VP-1, the Screaming Eagles, returned home to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington after a six month deployment to the Eastern Pacific, May 18 through June 9.

The Screaming Eagles departed in November of last year to support Commander Seventh Fleet and Combined Task Force 72 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

"We flew in excess of 2500 flight hours and that was with, instead of the normal complement of 10 aircraft, four aircraft at times," said Cmdr. Mark Rudesill, VP-1 Executive Officer. "We had a quite a few accomplishments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terror specifically in the Philippines."

Rudesill was proud of the effort put forth by his Sailors to ensure they could accomplish the missions set before them.

"We've done a remarkable job," said Rudesill. "The whole squadron from topside to bottom side all performed magnificently on station. I'm very proud of all of them, we're happy to be home and happy to be home safe."

VP-1 will be the last NAS Patrol Squadron to be integrated into the newly stood up CMO-10. VP-1 will transfer accountability for their aircraft and maintainers to the organization in an effort to produce more capable aircraft and maintenance crews while maintaining the most efficient and cost-effective methods.

"I was working with a few of the other squadrons before we left so I've already integrated a little into this. Overall I think it will be a little bit better as far as working hours and being set up on deployment rotation schedules," said Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Brandon Ruby, of VP-1 who will be working in CMO-10. "We don't know all the fine details until we get into it, but so far so good. It is going to be group of maintainers instead of an operations group that happens to run a group of maintainers so I think it will be centered on the people and provide an overall better working environment. "

© 2008 Sound Publishing, Inc.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "... Consolidated Maintenance Organization Stands up at NAS Whidbey Island - Story Number: NNS080519-21 - Release Date: 5/19/2008 10:16:00 PM - From Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Public Affairs..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [18JUN2008]

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Sea Wolves" of CMO-10 held an establishment ceremony at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington on May 16.

Cmdr. Gilbert L. Hageman took command of CMO-10.

The guest speaker at the event was Rear Adm. Brian C. Prindle, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group. Capt. Kenneth Seliga, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, officially established the unit of 1,000 personnel during the ceremony.

"The organization's specific mission is to ensure we produce mission-capable aircraft and qualified maintenance crews ready to deploy or detach utilizing the most cost effective and efficient methods possible, while ensuring the well-being and safety of all our people," said Hageman.

CMO-10 used a phased-in approach leading up to the establishment ceremony. In January 2007, a small group of maintenance experts within Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 began planning the CMO-10 transition of maintenance for five squadrons into one organization. Later that summer, the non-production work centers merged as one and in November, the production work centers completed the transition to one workforce.

During the Sea Wolves' short history, they have supported operations in the Central, South and Europe Command areas of responsibility and conducted maintenance operations for three Carrier Strike Group exercises.

"The personal dedication and synergy created by each member of CMO-10 ensures no obstacle is insurmountable, no challenge is too great, and guarantee that we are mission ready," said Hageman.

Lt. Cmdr. Eric Seib, the previous officer in charge of CMO-10, will continue as the executive officer until he is relieved by Cmdr. Vernon Hunter later this year.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraCmdr. Gilbert Hageman "...Establishment Ceremony for CMO-10 Set - By CMO-10 - Friday, May 16, 2008..." WebSite: Northwest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/ [14JUN2008]

The Sea Wolves of CMO-10 will conduct an establishment ceremony today, May 16 at 10 a.m. in Hangar 7. Cmdr. Gilbert Hageman will take command of the organization.

The guest speaker for the ceremony will be Rear Adm. Brian Prindle, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group. Capt. Kenneth Seliga, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 will officially establish the unit during the ceremony.

CMO-10 utilized a phased in approach leading up to the establishment ceremony. In January 2007, a small group of maintenance experts within Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 began planning how CMO-10 will transition into one maintenance organization. Later that summer the non-production work centers merged as one. In November 2007, the production work centers transitioned into one workforce.

The Sea Wolves mission is accomplished using P-3C Orion and EP-3E Aries aircraft. With a variety of on board sensors, the P-3C and EP-3E are mission ready aircraft constantly on the cutting edge of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance, and electronic warfare missions.

"The organization's specific mission is to ensure we produce mission capable aircraft and qualified maintenance crews ready to deploy or detach utilizing the most cost-effective and efficient methods possible, while ensuring the well-being and safety of all our people," Hageman said. "The personal dedication and synergy created by each member of CMO-10 ensures no obstacle is insurmountable, no challenge is too great, and guarantee that we are mission ready!"

Raised in Birmingham, Ala., Hageman graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1991 and was designated a naval aviator in December 1993. Hageman's most recent assignment was with the Joint Staff, J3 Directorate. Standing watch in the National Military Command Center, he provided worldwide monitoring, strategic watch and emergency action functions in support of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and the President of the United States.

Outgoing CMO-10 Officer in Charge, Lt. Cmdr. Eric Seib, said, "I greatly appreciate the hard work of all Sailors to set this organization in motion and am excited for the future successes that will be shared by all of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 due to their efforts."

Seib will continue working with CMO-10 as the executive officer until his replacement arrives later this year.

A cake cutting and a small reception will follow the ceremony.

© 2008 Sound Publishing, Inc.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Boeing FOD Team Visits NAS Whidbey Island - Story Number: NNS080514-24 - Release Date: 5/14/2008 5:22:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [18JUN2008]

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The Boeing Company's Foreign Object Debris (FOD) team visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island May 8 to learn how the base runs their FOD programs.

"Like us, Boeing has a vested interest in minimizing FOD damage," said Bill MacMillan, NAS Whidbey Island airfield manager. "Tool control and FOD prevention measures are all part of what it takes to ensure our weapons platforms are ready to carry out a their mission just as Boeing has an enormous financial incentive to keep FOD out of their aircraft.

The group was comprised of 36 members from Boeing facilities throughout the northwestern U.S.

FOD team members also visited Fleet Readiness Center Northwest and toured their power plants, avionics, and airframes/hydraulics divisions to understand how FOD is controlled during maintenance and accountability for tools to prevent any being left on the flight line. In addition they visited the newly stood up Consolidated Maintenance Organization (CMO) 10, which supports the maintenance needs of Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10's P-3C Orion and EP-3E Aries II aircraft.

"I hope the FOD Team was able to compare their daily routine with our processes to find some procedures they can incorporate into their programs," said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Seib, CMO-10 officer in charge. "If today's discussions can save someone from being hurt or help prevent aircraft damage then both teams win."

The group was treated to a tour of the flight line and was shown the airfield sweepers.

Invitations were extended by the FOD team to have Sailors from NAS Whidbey Island see procedures on their airfields also to ensure all involved can have access to the information available to develop the best FOD programs possible.

"It's always good to benchmark with other people because you may pick up just one gem which you may be able to bring back to improve your program. It's very interesting, the processes we use are very similar. It's nice to see we're so closely meshed with what you are doing here at the Navy base," said Dan Swanberg, a Boeing Company FOD team leader.

With the pending arrival of the EA-18G Growler and P-8A Poseidon, both Boeing aircraft, NAS Whidbey Island had an opportunity to keep up the affiliation between the base and Boeing personnel.

"All Sailors are ambassadors and we are proud to share our daily routines with all neighbors in the Pacific Northwest," said Seib. "Boeing is one of the many companies that will continue to have ties to NAS Whidbey Island in the future."


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