Williamson believes that every aircraft has a vital
role in our nation's defense. Even if the C-2A does not carry weapons,
the C-2A has been very important to the Navy's mission for the past
50 years.
"We don't carry bombs or missiles but we support the carriers
and their endeavors," said Williamson. "By us highlighting
the 50 year anniversary, it is reminding people of how important our
work is in maintaining these aircraft."
Without the hard work from the members of VRC-30, the C-2A would
not have had as long a life as it has.
"Fifty years is a major milestone in the history of this aircraft,"
said Cmdr. Chad White, commanding officer of VRC-30. "It is significant
because our Sailors work very hard to maintain the readiness of the
aircraft. The hard work they put in everyday has allowed us to reach
this milestone and will continue to let us fly this airplane for the
next 10 to 15 years."
The mission of aircraft carriers would be negatively impacted if
the C-2A aircraft was no longer flown, according to C-2A community
members.
"We provide all the onboard delivery for deployed aircraft carriers,
we support the Navy's mission," said White. "I think aircraft
carriers and air wings would have a hard time functioning without
the onboard delivery capabilities that the C-2A provides."
The C-2A community may be small, but they provide a vital role that
is noticed worldwide according to White.
"35 C-2A's are in existence, and we are the only Navy that operates
an aircraft of this type around the world," said White. "It's
a very unique mission we fulfill. The aircraft is capable of flying
roughly 1000 miles out to ships at sea, providing that last leg of
logistics to maintain the readiness of the aircraft carriers and the
carrier air wing when they are out on deployment."
This aircraft may be getting older than some of the other aircrafts
in the Navy's arsenal, but the Sailors apart of VRC-30 are proud to
work with the C-2A.
"There is a lot of pride being a part of the C-2A community
within the aviation field, we have incredibly high standards,"
said Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Marcel Chacon Galavias. "We
are very proud of our aircraft and what we do here, because we transport
important goods and parts in a safe manner to help support the mission
of the Navy. We might be considered the 'post office' of the Navy,
but it is really important, and I think it is really cool to be a
part of it."
The C-2A Greyhound has been around since 1964. It has helped provide
logistical support to many aircraft carriers throughout the world,
and has helped in the success of Navy missions. It has proved to be
important not only to aircraft carriers but to those who work on the
aircraft everyday. Fifty years is a milestone to be noticed, because
this anniversary is about knowing the Navy's history and heritage.
"The C-2A has been a very capable air plane since 1964,"
said White. "I am very proud of the Sailors of VRC-30 who work
very hard to continue to provide the missions that we do."
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric Coffer, Navy Public
Affairs Support Element West
