United States Allocates $420 Million to Address F/A-18 Availability Gaps.

NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (WSS) has awarded supply contracts worth $420 million to maintain and repair flight control surfaces (FCS) for F/A-18 aircraft, thereby addressing critical availability gaps. This announcement was made on July 5, 2024.
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 A US F/A-18 F Super Hornet aircraft. (Picture source: US DoD)

These contracts, orchestrated by logisticians and procurement professionals from the NAVSUP WSS F/A-18 integrated weapon system team and the N79 aviation contracts team, aim to maintain and enhance the operational capabilities of the F/A-18 fleet. "The scope and timing of these contracts are crucial for air availability and future war operations," said Captain Abdul Ceville, director of contracts at NAVSUP WSS. "The collaboration between the F/A-18 integrated weapon system team and the N79 aviation contracts team has been exceptional."

The contracts will ensure the delivery of essential FCS parts to the fleet through fiscal year 2028, establishing a foundation for a long-term agreement that strengthens financial and operational stability. This effort involved collaboration with PEO(T), PMA-265, and Boeing, encompassing 20 individual National Item Identification Numbers (NIIN) for spare parts and repairs, supporting the F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler for the United States and Australia.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet, a twin-engine multirole fighter capable of operating from an aircraft carrier, excels in various roles including air superiority, strike missions, and reconnaissance. The EA-18G Growler variant integrates advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

These FCS parts are crucial for the aircraft's aerodynamic performance, allowing pilots to control flight attitude. The contracts have been expedited to improve availability in response to increased operational demands and the closure of Boeing's primary supplier, GKN Aerospace, which Boeing acquired during negotiations.

"Our navy, the joint force, and our allies depend on our highly skilled logisticians and procurement professionals," said Captain Andrew Henwood, director of aviation operations at NAVSUP WSS. "Their ability to quickly and efficiently execute these contracts demonstrates their expertise."

Boeing's acquisition of GKN, combined with the rapid awarding of contracts, allows Boeing to secure long-lead-time materials, thereby minimizing any potential delays in the delivery of spare parts to the fleet.

NAVSUP WSS, one of 11 commands under NAVSUP, employs more than 22,500 people worldwide, providing supply chain, acquisition, and operational logistics support to naval forces globally.