US Navy Delivers First Aircrew Procedures Trainer to Carrier Pilots in Japan

Rojoef ManuelMarch 2, 2023

1 minute read

The US Navy has delivered the first aircrew procedures trainer to the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan.

The capability was handed over by the Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges program office (PMA-205) to the Iwakuni-based Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW-125).

Sustaining Naval Pilot Skills

The aircrew procedures trainer provides US Navy carrier pilots with high-fidelity, realistic simulations in basic flight operations, emergency scenarios, navigation, tactics, instrument crew resource management, and related carrier familiarization.

The platform reduces aircrew risk and training timelines while practicing in a safe environment.

220810-N-WU964-1044 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 10, 2022) Cmdr. Edmund Poynton, commanding officer of the Tigertails of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 lands on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in an E-2D Hawkeye after a change of command ceremony, in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 10. During the change of command ceremony Cmdr. David Wiltshire transferred command of VAW 125 to Poynton. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dallas A. Snider) — A VAW-125 E-2D Hawkeye lands on USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dallas A. Snider/US Navy

Furthermore, it exercises muscle memory necessary for real-world missions.

“The delivery of this training device to VAW-125 will revolutionize the way Navy forward-deployed forces train and enable them to win the high-end fight,” PMA-205 Program Manager Capt. Kevin McGee stated.

“The team put in significant effort to deliver this capability and ensure our forward-deployed forces are well equipped to maintain and improve their skills, even when deployed.”

‘Highest Standards’ for Carrier Air Wing

The delivery was approved by the Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing within a month of the device’s initial procurement for naval pilots in Norfolk, Virginia.

The approval was immediately followed by a manufacturing phase led by the Naval Air Warfare Training Systems Division to meet the requirements of the new delivery location.

“As with many contracting actions, there were complications and challenges that had to be overcome for this device to be delivered, but with strong partnerships among all stakeholders this new high-fidelity trainer will help maintain the highest standards of readiness to meet Carrier Air Wing goals,” PMA-205 Training Systems Team Lead Dave Adams said.