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....
Great to see some S-3s returned to flight status.
ReplyDeleteI never really understood the rationale for retiring the Viking so early on. Besides hunting subs, it performed a myriad of other jobs, and did them well.
Especially in littoral ops it would've been a valuable asset.
Pity.