Air Test, Evaluation Squadron Provides Integral Capabilities During Exercise Gray Flag

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Steve Dua, an aviation structural mechanic assigned to the Naval Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, stands in front of an E-2D Hawkeye tactical aircraft during Exercise Gray Flag at Naval Base Ventura County, California, last month. As a qualified plane captain, he has many responsibilities, including daily maintenance and servicing to ensure the aircraft is mission ready.  

On this day, he oversees an E-2 on the ground, conducting preflight inspections and coordinating with the pilots and maintenance crew as they prepare to support simulated aerial maritime combat scenarios along the Pacific coast during the joint force exercise. 

“Gray Flag provides an important opportunity to hone the capabilities of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and set the stage for future developments. Our sailors’ tireless efforts on the ground, our aircrew’s commitment to extensive flight operations and the dedicated support of the [E-2 program office] team make this possible,” said Navy Capt. John Coleman, squadron commanding officer. “This effort advances a core objective of operational test — prevent discovery in combat.” 

On an active flight line, voice communication is impossible — but words aren’t necessary. Squadron crews rely on a standardized, visual vocabulary to launch their aircraft safely and on schedule.  

Dua rapidly spins his right arm in a circle to signal to the pilots inside the aircraft to start the propellers. The left turbo propeller’s engine hums as the blades start spinning through the humid Southern California haze. Dua signals for the next propeller to start.  

The propulsion from both props makes the aircraft shake side to side, pulling at the chains attached to its underside. The propellers at full blast resemble a loud hum of angry killer bees. The aircraft is affectionately nicknamed “The Hummer.” 

“The experience of being a plane captain is unreal,” Dua said. “We have to rely on our hand signals because the propellers are so loud.” 

Preflight checks require coordinated efforts between the plane captain, the pilot and the maintenance crew. Sailors assigned to the squadron’s E-2 maintenance detachment are stationed around the aircraft and wait for signals from Dua.  

A sailor on the aircraft’s rear verifies operation of the four vertical stabilizers and three movable rudders. These are uniquely adapted to maintain directional stability under the disturbed airflow caused by the E-2′s large 24-foot overhead radar rotodome. 

The sailor gives Dua a thumbs up after he visually confirms the checks. Sailors on the left and right of the aircraft fold out the 80-foot wings, while others swiftly duck under the aircraft and remove chains that anchor it to the flight line. The E-2 begins to taxi for takeoff, guided by Dua, who directed the entire process. He salutes the pilots as he enthusiastically sends them off. 

“Being a plane captain means I’m responsible for the safety of others,” he said. “Part of my job is communicating everything the pilot says to the ground crew and what the ground says up to the pilots.” 

The E-2D is the Navy’s all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management aircraft. It is a twin-engine, five-crew member, high-wing turboprop aircraft with a 24-foot-diameter radar mounted on the upper fuselage.  

An integral component of the carrier strike group air wing, the E-2 uses computerized radar, identification systems and electronic surveillance sensors to provide early warning and threat analysis against potentially hostile air and surface targets. The aircraft’s mission capabilities make it a unique addition to a carrier group, providing real-time information on adversaries from its high perch with a maximum ceiling of 30,000 feet. 

During Gray Flag, the squadron detached its E-2Ds with the maintenance team. The squadron reviews and disseminates new antisubmarine warfare and surface warfare tactics and procedures for fleet use, serving as the model manager for these tactical publications and their implementation across fleet forces.  

The joint exercise, hosted by Naval Test Wing Pacific, is a unique opportunity to introduce and integrate new mission systems between early warning and strike fighter platforms. 

The E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office, or PMA-231, manages the E-2 test program. They manage acquisition, development and sustainment of the E-2 platform. The aircraft’s system software configuration is in operational testing, and Gray Flag is a critical component of that testing. PMA-231 is ultimately accountable for fielding the system. 

“We deliver airborne command and control systems to equip the carrier strike group to command the battlespace even when communications are disrupted,” PMA-231 leadership said. “The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye empowers our warfighters to detect, decide and communicate faster than any adversary. By sustaining these aircraft at combat speed and leveraging the warfighting acquisition system, we ensure these platforms deliver a decisive advantage to achieve peace through strength.” 

The squadron’s role as the eyes in the sky during the training event was integral to the air wing aircraft’s ability to perform realistic maneuvers simulating aerial maritime combat scenarios along the coast, allowing access to a 36,000-square-mile sea and air space, which is critical for testing and evaluating emerging technology in a realistic maritime environment.