Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Lyle Wilkie | 191013-N-GR168-1151 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 13, 2019) A UH-1Y Huey helicopter, assigned...... read more read more
Behind every military aircraft is a logistical team ensuring all moving parts are prepared for flight. Here at Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS), specialized teams provide advanced logistical capabilities supporting the aircraft while also maximizing capacity. From requirement to contract and everything in between; the H-1 Helicopter Integrated Weapon Support Team (IWST) ensures the H-1 fleet are prepared for takeoff.
With a team consisting of 20 personnel, both military and civilian, the H-1 IWST currently provides logistical sustainment for two variations of the H-1 Helicopter to include the AH-1Z (Viper) and UH-1Y (Venom). Nicknamed Cobra & Huey, the AH-1Z and the UH-1Y provide capabilities to the fleet including, but are not limited to, close air support, combat assault transport, strike coordination and reconnaissance, and forward air control. The support these aircraft provide enable mission success within all branches of the United States military.
“We develop and execute logistical sustainment strategies for two platforms: AH-1Z Cobra and the UH-1Y Huey,” said Maj. Jessica O’Reilly, NAVSUP WSS H-1 IWST Director. “The Cobra recently finished production and both variants are now in the sustainment life cycle. We coordinate with an internal and external team to manage supply chain activities including packaging, retrograde, movement, warehousing, life-cycle support, provisioning and disposal.”
The historical significance of these platforms dates back to the Vietnam War. The UH-1 Iroquois, also referred to as the Huey, was a critical asset for the Navy, the Marines, and the United States military as a whole. The Huey is able to perform a variety of missions to include troop transport, medical evacuation, and close air support.
“During the Vietnam War, the Huey's ability to rapidly transport troops and supplies across the battlefield was essential to the U.S. military's strategy. It allowed troops to be quickly deployed to remote areas, providing much needed support to ground troops. The Huey's use as a medical evacuation helicopter also saved countless lives, as its speed and maneuverability allowed it to quickly evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield,” said O’Reilly.
Through continuous improvement and modernization of the platform, cutting-edge H-1 variants include the latest in technology and production techniques to continue the legacy of the respected and battle-proven H-1 helicopter design.
“The development of the AH-1 Cobra and subsequent variants of the Huey, including the AH-1W Super Cobra, AH-1Z Viper, and UH-1Y Venom, have built upon the Huey's legacy and improved its capabilities. The AH-1 Cobra was the first attack helicopter developed from the UH-1 Iroquois airframe and was designed to provide close air support for ground troops. The Cobra's success in Vietnam led to the development of the Super Cobra, Viper, and Venom variants, which have continued to evolve and improve upon the Huey's original design,” said O’Reilly.
Today, the H-1 IWST team continues to provide the support needed for the U.S. Navy and the Marines while the Viper and Venom remain essential assets for the U.S. military around the world.
“The Viper's advanced features, such as its four-bladed composite rotor system and upgraded avionics, make it a more capable attack helicopter than its predecessors. The Venom's upgraded engines and avionics, as well as its ability to transport up to 12 troops or six stretchers, make it a valuable asset for a variety of missions,” said O’Reilly. “Overall, the UH-1 Iroquois played a critical role in the Vietnam War and its modern variants continue to be important assets for modern military operations. Their versatility and reliability have made them invaluable for a wide range of missions, and their continued development and improvement have ensured that they remain relevant in today's battlefield environment.”
NAVSUP WSS is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics and Sailor and family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsupwss, and https://twitter.com/navsupsyscom.
| Date Taken: | 03.29.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.29.2023 15:23 |
| Story ID: | 441480 |
| Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 451 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, NAVSUP WSS H-1 Integrated Weapon Support Team (IWST) providing support since the Vietnam War, by Asya Parker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT