S-3 returns to Squadron service.

FRCSE delivers first S-3 Viking to test squadron

By FRCSE Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After completing extensive maintenance and repairs that presented many challenges, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) turned over the first of three S-3B Viking aircraft to Naval Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 April 14.

VX-30 Chief Test Pilot Cmdr. John Rousseau and Viking Training Officer Lt. Christian Pedersen based at Point Mugu, Calif., performed the acceptance flight check. They both were very satisfied with the aircraft that will support the squadron’s local and worldwide test events.

“We were pleasantly surprised, especially with a plane that has been out of service for so long. It flew well,” said Rousseau. “It’s a testament to FRCSE employees’ steadfastness to the work.”

Even so, the first aircraft took more than a year to complete the Planned Maintenance Intervals (PMI) 1, 2, and 3 that will add five to six years of service life to the aircraft before another PMI is due.

In March 2009, FRCSE inducted three Vikings sometimes referred to as War Hoovers for the engine’s unique, low-pitched sound.

The jets were last used by the “Checkmates” of the Sea Control Squadron (VS) 22 for five months at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq in 2008. During the squadron’s only land-based operation, the aircrews flew numerous combat missions in harsh desert conditions....