Photo By Sgt. Christopher Zahn | Maj. Gen. Jon Davis, left, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing,...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- The Hawks of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 are the recent recipients of the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award for 2009.
The award recognizes “operational excellence and an exemplary commitment to aviation safety,” according to All Marine Message 12/10, released April 6.
From January to December of 2009 the squadron participated in 10 major squadron movements and more than 3,500 hours of flight time with zero aviation or ground related mishaps of any classification.
It was their second time winning the award since 2007, despite averaging a 50 percent turnover rate due to Marines leaving the squadron for permanent changes of station or expiration of active service.
“It is difficult for squadrons to sustain that level of excellence,” said Lt. Col. George Rowell, the commanding officer of VMFA(AW)-533. “I think that it is a testament to the Marines in the squadron, their professionalism and the pride they take in upholding the reputation this squadron has.”
One incident that demonstrates their commitment to safety occurred during a deployment to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
The safety department instituted a “Bingo Challenge” simulator that challenged aircrews to fly without enough fuel to make it back to their home bases and land at their divert base safely with the most fuel. Coincidently, two days after the challenge was over the winner of the challenge had to execute a bingo profile and divert to a different air field while flying off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, exactly the scenario the squadron trained for during the challenge.
The unit’s focus on safety is highlighted in particular by the actions of Sgt. Vassil Ivanov, an airframe mechanic for the Hawks, during a deployment to Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.
A plane captain in the unit noticed a crack in the panel of an F/A-18 Hornet and rather than merely chalk it up to a minor problem, Ivanov investigated further.
“I went to look at it and something looked suspicious, we took the panel off and it didn’t look right,” Ivanov said. “I investigated further and one of the bolts that holds the stabilizer surface on had come completely off – leaving it only secured by one bolt.”
The plane captain’s attention to detail and Ivanov’s willingness to investigate further prevented something catastrophic from happening. Ivanov says it’s how the Hawks typically operate, a thought echoed by his commanding officer.
“That is a common occurrence for Marines that take pride in their work and their professionalism,” Rowell said. “The Marines in this squadron do that. That is [an example] of the attention to detail they have and the level of scrutiny they put to the aircraft.”
Ivanov was recognized individually for his actions to keep the squadron safe by Maj. Gen. Jon Davis, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, when he presented the CNO award to the unit, Sept. 14. Davis also presented a coin to Ivanov in front of his fellow Hawks.
The Hawks are not content to rest on their past accomplishments. The missions aboard Fightertown will continue as the squadron maintains a high level of safety and excellence for other units to achieve and imitate.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.27.2010 08:57 |
| Story ID: | 57063 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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