LOGISTICS AIRLIFT

Logistical airlift support for Navy and Marine forces is provided by a variety of aircraft. While the C-2 Greyhound provides Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) service between shore bases and carriers, Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD) continues to be provided by the H-53, H-46 and H-3 helicopters. Intratheater transportation of passengers and cargo is provided by a fleet of C-130, C-9, C-20, and C-12 aircraft. These aircraft provide a responsive, efficient, and unique Fleet-essential airlift capability that supports Navy and Marine Corps global operations.

INTRATHEATER

Naval Aviation recently completed the acquisition of 20 C-130T Hercules, and is in the process of procuring replacement aircraft for its current inventory of C-9 Skytrain platforms. These fixed-wing logistical airlift aircraft will receive safety-enhancing components, including GPS and the Flight Incident Recorder. Additionally, numerous modifications are being made to many of these platforms so they may continue providing valuable logistical airlift service to the Fleet.

CARRIER ONBOARD DELIVERY

With the ability to transport 10,000 pounds of cargo or 28 passengers from shore bases to the carrier at ranges in excess of 1,000 nautical miles, the C-2A Greyhound has been the backbone of Carrier Onboard Delivery since its introduction in 1966. The Greyhound is the only fixed wing, carrier-capable cargo aircraft in the world, and is the lifeblood of battle group operations. The C-2 provides an essential logistics link for high-priority cargo and parts, passenger transfer, and mail. From moving aircraft engines to medical evacuation to special-warfare SEAL team delivery, the Greyhound has demonstrated time and again its critical and unique role in Naval Aviation. The current C-2 fleet consists of reprocured aircraft delivered between 1985 and 1992. The Greyhound will embark on a SLEP at the turn of the century that will incorporate significant avionics upgrades, airframe enhancements, and safety improvements to carry the platform well into the next century.