Indian Head, Maryland –
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) enterprise was notified there was an impact to a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B attached to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1), May 17. Due to the impact, the aircraft was grounded at a deployed location and submitted an emergency order for several CADs. The unique route in transit from the home location of HMX-1 to the deployment location indicated a stopover at NSWC IHD would be more advantageous compared to standard ground shipment.
Through coordination with NSWC IHD leadership, an MV-22B landed at the command’s helipad on the morning of May 18, where a pallet of replacement assets was waiting to be loaded onboard.
“The unique capabilities of the V-22 tiltrotor enabled it to land on the helipad like a helicopter, onboard the critical assets, then launch and expedite the cargo to its final destination at the speed of a fixed-wing aircraft,” said CAD/PAD Joint Program Office (JPO) Deputy Program Manager Jason Caron.
Later that day during the maintenance event, an additional requirement was generated resulting in a repeat visit by a second HMX-1 MV-22B the following morning.
“The capabilities of the squadron, combined with the proximity to the CAD/PAD enterprise's consolidated stock point and the rapid response of the entire team, enabled the aircraft to be returned to operational status,” Caron said.
CAD/PAD JPO Director Greg Longworth said the team’s agility to support the warfighter is a testament to the logistics capabilities and the fleet’s trust in their abilities.
“Certainly the opportunity to directly support the HMX-1 mission was met with a renewed sense of urgency but in reality, it’s just another example of our collective team’s dedication and commitment to serve our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines all over the globe,” Longworth said.