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"Community News"

Recieved 30 April 01

The following is an exert of an email from CDR Roy Peterson and LT Cal Kelso concerning ACIP. I listed this in case others are having similar problems or require there references.

If you are still working this, I found my letters that reference why we receive ACIP from date of commissioning and it also gives the refs.

The OPNAV 3710.7R spells it out in Chapter 11.2.2, we are aeronautically designated officers. The Manual of Navy Officer Manpower and Personnel Classifications (Volume 1) explains how our billets are designated (6320 DIFDEN/6321 DIFOPS NON-CREW/6322 DIFOPS CREW).

Willey is first CWO to graduate from 562nd FTS under new program.
By Capt. Marco Delfino
562nd Flying Training Squadron

On Aug. 25, Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Monte Willey made history when he graduated under the "Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer to Naval Flight Officer" program.
Willey was the first CWO under the program to graduate from the 562nd Flying Training Squadron and earn his naval flight officer wings. He was also the Navy's first CWO to receive wings in over 15 years.
Under the new LDO/CWO to NFO program, there are only a select few chosen to attend the NFO pipeline and receive their wings of "gold." This program, which began in fiscal year 2000, is designed to relieve manning shortfalls in patrol squadron NFOs and to keep years of aviation experience in the fleet.
Candidates for the program are chosen from the 632X/732X community. Their former enlisted rates were as aviation warfare system operators.
Their enlisted backgrounds and experiences range from years of anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue aircrewman and fight operations/schedulers, to naval air training operational procedures standardization training/fleet replacement squadron instructors.
Since commissioning, most candidates have held positions as tactical action officers, ASW module officers, assistant strike operations officers, air warfare officers, force over-the-horizon track coordinators and as officers-in-charge. Most candidates, on average, have two to four thousand hours of flight time and as much as 19 years of active duty service.
This new breed of naval flight officer will not only bring years of aviation experience to the career field, but also years of leadership and a track record for success.
It is expected that they will be assigned as special project officers, assistant training officers, and as assistant operations officers. They are considered to be an invaluable asset to the fleet and will continue to be highly sought after by fleet commanders in years to come.
The remaining FY 2000 candidates are Lt. John Miltenberger, Lt. Richard Pool, Lt. Robert Huntington and Lt. Billy Burch. They will complete their training at the 562nd FTS in the next few weeks. All will then transfer to VP-30 for follow-on training. The next group of chosen candidates will begin their training as early as this month.

Received 10/24/00

Please pass on my congratulations!

Our three NFO selects this year are:

CWO2 (sel) Mike Bremer
ENS Jim Suckart
CWO2 Steve Richard

Also, for those thinking of applying, you can take the AVIATION SELECTION
TEST BATTERY (ASTB) twice a year until you score high enough to pass, so
take the test now if you are interested in the program.

Again congratulations to this years selectees.

CDR Roy Peterson

Hi LT!
Don't know if you are aware of it...but we're in the process of forming
the Fleet AW Association (FAWA (http://fleetaw.tripod.com). You guys are
welcome!! I wrote the bylaws specifically so we wouldn't have any bickering
between the two communities.
Mission statements and the such are on the web site. A couple things to
mention is that about half of the money we collect will go to scholarships
for the children of FAWA full time members.
We've created a virtual AW Memorial that complements the one I helped
create that is at the "A" school. On this memorial, shipmates can share
memories, pictures, news clippings, anecdotes, etc. The goal is to put a
face and story behind each of the AWs we've lost.
Recently we've added an AW rating plankholders page to highlight the
contributions of the original AWs. Again, the plankholders have an
opportunity to provide bios as well as their shipmates and sea puppies can
leave positive comments.
We have a section on professional advancement which includes the LDO/CWO
programs. I intend to insert a link to your site this weekend.
We're not collecting dues yet. I still have to obtain the non-profit
certificate but eventually we'll get there.
But as you can see...we're trying to form something that should have
occurred years ago. And your community can still be a part of it.
Please announce this as you see fit!
Hope to hear from the Flying Mustangs!
AWCS (Ret.) Dave "Devo" DeVarney

Congratulations to our FY-01 LCDR AVOPS selects, Dave Latosky and Al
Anderson. Also our newest CWO4's; Marty Nielsen and Frank Basaca.

We wish them all the best. When is the wetting down?

CDR Roy Peterson

Congrats Dave, Al, Marty, and Frank! John M.

Received 7/27/00

27 July 00

John,

Please post to the Flying Mustang.

I talked to the detailer today about applications for the NFO program. He
has agreed to accept packages for the NFO program from LDO/CWO selectees.

Also I've had calls from some folks that haven't been able to take the ASTB
for one reason or the other. He said to tell them to submit their package
without the test results now and make sure the ASTB test results reach him
prior to the selection board meeting. Have the CO mention that test results
will be sent by sepcor in the endorsement.

Sorry this is so late in the game but LCDR Hancock has been on travel and
leave. It isn't too late to get the packages in and opportunities for
selection are very good this year!

Other news:

I am seeing some positive movement at COMFAIRMED and CINCUSNAVEUR on fixing
a couple of AVOPS billet issues:

DIFOPS Orders

CFM contacted the Officer Community Manager for aviation and has basically
been told they must find funding (reprogram, unfund, POM), or move the
DIFOPS portion of existing billets in order to redesignate billets as
DIFOPS. The good news, is that they may have found a billet to convert and
plan to use it to fund a TSC SIG 1110 to LDO 6321 DIFOPS billet redesignate
initiative.

AMD Changes for TSC Sigonella

CNE working CPRFL request to change one 1110 and one 13XX billet to 6321 LDO
billets, on DIFOPS. We picked up some alternates over a year ago to fill
these billets, looks like the paperwork is finally getting done.

CDR Roy Peterson

Received 7/12/00

Please post,

Fair winds and following seas to LCDR Dave McCool retiring today 12 July.
He can be justifiably proud of a very successful Naval career. We wish him
the very best as he makes the transition to retirement; something that faces
all of us.

Good luck Dave and thanks for everything you have done for your country.

CDR Roy Peterson

10 April 2000

I had a chat with LT Dave Latosky (OIC Mocc Med). He needs a relief and the detailer is proposing an Ensign (Ltjg to be soon) for the spot. It's great for the Ensign but not so good for the program because CTF67 isn't going to buy an unknown Ltjg and will fill the spot with a known URL type officer. Once we loose a billet it is very hard to recover the position. I spoke to Kris Hancock about it today, and he says if we need to fill it with a LT we need to find one because noone up for orders wants to go to Sig? I'm a bit confused here; this is an OIC sea duty billet that is in the war zone (read tax free/hazardous duty pay) at the forefront of C4I.

What's not to like? This is a billet that will make you a LCDR, so let's get the word out please via the Flying Mustang and our e-mail forwarding. If we can't get a volunteer, I will support Kris in making it a HARDFILL, we need an experienced LT who can lead.

Also, I spoke to LCDR Hancock last week and he mentioned that the "Flight Jacket" letter from SWATS (CWO Headley) was favorably received at Bupers. They were going to try to fix it with a phonecall and if that failed would correct it in writing. Nice job on that letter.

One last thing. Our Senior AW LDO, CDR Bill Cox is retiring out in San Diego, I've heard 1 May 00. We should try to have a good showing at the ceremony from the AVOPS guys out there. Please pass on my thanks for an outstanding Naval career and good luck as he gets his new home built in Arizona and makes that challenging transition to retired life.

CDR Roy Peterson

23 March 00

The message for the 632X/732X NFO board is on the streets. I have uploaded it on the LDO Gouge page or it can be found on BUPERS at http://www.bupers.navy.mil/navadmin/nav00/nav00055.txt.

Read carefully and make sure all interested have everything accomplished well in advance. If I can answer any questions about what to expect please feel free to drop me a line.

Keep em Flyin'

John D. Miltenberger

27 Jan 00

I talked to LCDR Kris Hancock this morning and he wanted me to pass the following information on about this years LDO to NFO board:

The official message is expected to hit the streets in March 00. It still needs to finish going through the chop chain, but that is the anticipated time for release.

The deadline for submission will be July 31st 00 (as long as the message comes out in March as expected).

The LDO to NFO board will be in Sept 00.

There will be no waiver for time in service. (19 years is the cut off).

The ASTB test will be required. It needs to be completed prior to submission for the board. BUMED 1532.1K governs that test/requirement. I have been told it can be downloaded from BUPERS.

A point of contact for the ASTB is Jean Hurrley (850) 452-2257 Ext 1080. She works at NOMI and grades the tests every Monday. The results are given that afternoon.

An NFO Flight Physical is also required.

LCDR Kris Hancock wanted to ensure that the info got dispersed as soon as possible to allow applicants time to get the ASTB test taken and all other requirements met. Please pass this info on to all in the community. If I can be of any assistance or answer any questions please feel free to drop me a line.

Keep em flyin'

John D. Miltenberger

9 Sept 99
Congratulations to all of our new FY-00 Lieutenant selects:

John Miltenberger
William Bell
Ricky Beatty
Paul Homan
Allen Wallace
Timothy Sume
David Murray
Scott Boisevert
Robert Huntington
William Hewitt
Rick Pool

For info: I have detached from FASOTRAGRULANT and am currently in
transit to my next duty station, Naval Support Activity, Soudha Bay. If
you need to reach me via e-mail please use the following address until
I'm established at my new duty station: rptrsn@yahoo.com

CDR Roy Peterson

17 August 99

Pass my congratulations to our newest O-4's:

LCDR (sel) Danny Dobbins
LCDR (sel) John Burk

Also for those that haven't heard, I'm heading for NSA Soudha Bay,
Crete where I'll relieve CDR Bill Cox as the XO. I report in
September and will try my best to remain available for career
questions and to continue providing a point of contact for AVOPS
issues. As soon as I get there I'll pass along my new phone numbers
and e-mail address.

Of note I had to get an ord mod because they didn't write the orders
for DIFDEN. If it still happens to me, I know you guys need to be
vigilant on your orders. Make sure your orders state DIFOPS or
DIFDEN, this will be critical when it comes time for your gates.

Through the grapevine I heard that CDR Buzz Lineburg has gone on
terminal leave. Does anyone know if he had the retirement ceremony
yet?

I recently reviewed a copy of the OPNAV 3710.7R and was pleased to see
that the changes I submitted were incorporated. These changes
straightened out the flight time and physiology requirements for our
designators. Sorry guys you do have to fly for that ACIP!

I'm still working on the "Manual of Navy Officer Manpower and
Personnel Classifications" (Vol. 1)Navpers 15839I. It identifies our
flying billets by specific designators (e.g. 6320/1/2).

Nothing new on additional billet conversions, but I did get a copy of
the NATSAG XV minutes and have attached the Action Item. This directs
the TYCOMS to look at converting billets. By the way, how are those
point papers coming for HS/HSL coming?

Looking for shore duty orders? We have three billets in Pensacola
that need to be filled at NACCS/RSS. If you are interested give LCDR
(sel) Hancock a call, we don't want to lose those billets by not
filling them.

Roy Peterson
CDR USN

July 16, 1999
Gentlemen,

LDO/CWO NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICERS

"It's offical our alternate selects, LT Billy Burch (NATTC Pensacola)
and LTJG Scott Boisevert (FASO Det Jax), have also been picked up for
the NFO program." Congratulations!

Roy Peterson
CDR USN

June 29, 1999
Gentlemen,

LDO/CWO NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICERS

A congratulation to our Naval Flight Officer selects for FY-99! I understand they will begin
their training as soon as September. I have complete confidence that each of them will shine
as they go through the pipeline and earn their "Wings of Gold." The selects are:

LTJG John Miltenberger FCTCL Dam Neck
LTJG Rob Huntington HSL-40
CWO2 Monte Willey CVN-72 Lincoln
LTJG Rick Poole CVN-70 Vinson

I was honored to represent our community as President of the board. The other board members
were Cdr. Mike Hewett (NFO) and Cdr. Doug Yancy (NA), both PXO's, representing east and west
coast VP. The selection process was very tough, you provided the board with some great records to
review, I wish we could have selected all of you. Of note, a VP background was not the only
requirement for selection. For those not selected please re-submit for next year. The opportunity
for selection will remain very good for the next few years with at least four per year selected.

Unfortunately, we could not get waivers for time in-service approved and I don't see any change
to the 19-year max time in service requirement in the future. This number was approved to give
the selectee two years to complete training and then give back to the Navy two full operational
tours and one shore tour prior to thirty years total service.

I recommended we move the FY-00 board up to February next year, in order to tie onto the end
of the In-service Procurement Board. Watch for the NAVADMIN announcement.

FY-99 IN-SERVICE PROCUREMENT BOARD ALTERNATE SELECTS

Congratulations to our FY-99 CWO/LDO additional selects, all promoted 5/1/99:

ENS Matthew Beare
ENS Matthew Walsh
ENS Martin Caro (a primary FY-00 LDO select so watch for an FY-00 alternate getting picked up)
ENS Mark Kautzmann
ENS James Suckart

THE FUTURE

Thanks to you, we are now very much a growth community. The outstanding job you are doing in
the fleet is what makes it easy to sell the program to the powers that be. Even with the loss of the
VS billets we have continued to gain billets. It's up to you to find the jobs and get the billets changed
to 632X/732X.

The opportunity for selection to 632X/732X will continue to be excellent for the next few years. We
need to make sure the quality AW's are getting their applications in now. You need to be looking at the
AW's working for you and identify your relief, be a mentor.

The 1999 Aviation LDO/CWO Directory is out and really has some great things to say. The flow points
and the opportunity for promotion are improving. Capt.'s Rubel and Jaeh both have some great news
and advise take a minute and really read their letters.

As always if you have a question or just want to chat about your next career move give me a call at DSN: 564-3919

Respectfully,
Roy Peterson
CDR USN

For the Forum
9 May 1999

Gentleman,

This is the last week to get your letters in for the VP LDO/CWO NFO
program. The board will be meeting in June and with luck the selects
will be starting into the pipeline before the end of the year. I spoke
with our detailer, LT Kris Hancock, about opening the program up to the
LDO/CWO selects and he agreed to accept their letters. Please pass on
to any of the FY-99/00 selects to get a letter in ASAP if they want to
be considered this year.

I attended the Naval Aviation Training Strategic Advisory Group (NATSAG)
last week in San Diego. This group is run by OPNAV N88 meets annually
to gather fleet input on aviation training. N88 uses the information to
prioritize where they spend our training dollars. I sat on the Manpower
working group and was able to get an action item on the list to review
unfilled 13XX/1XXX billets for conversion to 63XX. This could open up
Command billets and senior billets at sea for us, and is very much in
line with the billet review Capt Ruple (our LDO/CWO community manager)
is working on.

I'm hearing exciting news about improvements for our community. CWO5 is
not dead! The detailers have been directed to pick up all the FY-99
alternates and are expecting the same for FY-00. Promotion
opportunities are going to improve and be more in line with the URL's.
We can expect the promotion zones to slide and you may be in zone
earlier (check your records, and get those photos updated.) There are
going to be more Command opportunities for LDO's.

In my travels a couple of questions keep coming up:

What happens to my promotion opportunity with almost two years of NOB
fitreps if I go into the NFO program?

- No guarantees, but it shouldn't hurt you. The thing to remember is
that earning a Warfare Specialty and flying as a TACCO/MC will carry a
lot of weight with any selection board. The key is to communicate with
the president of the selection board, via letter, and explain why you
have so many NOB's. This seems to have worked for me.

- As for promotions opportunities, (to the best of my knowledge) none
of the folks that went into the old program were passed over for LCDR.
CDR's Lineburg, Cox and I all have NFO wings and all did a second
squadron tour as LCDR's. The other LDO NFO's either retired before
going in zone for CDR or were passed over primarily because they were
not given the opportunity to go back to sea as a LCDR. Back to Back
Shore Duty can kill you.

I have over 19 years and I'm not eligible for the NFO program. Do I
have a career?

- First understand why the 19 year limit was put on the program. To
sell it we had to show how it would be cost effective, (we hope to get
two tours out of the selects), and concerns from the NAVAVSCHSCOM
(Pensacola) folks about age. We were able to sell 19 years, and we have
an NFO program again. Once we start getting people into the squadron's
this may change in the future.

- Definitely! The CV's, TSC, MOCC's, Staffs are still there and you
are doing a great job in those billets. Most of you aboard ship have
earned TAO designations and this is a big sell on the selection boards.
The MOCC's are doing a super job in some very visible areas of the world
and would not be effective without you. The opportunities are there to
have a well rounded career, I'm working to make sure that we gain senior
billets on the CV's (Assist CDC, Strike, ASW Officer, Training Officer,
etc.) so that when you do go back to sea you have a career enhancing
billet. And I'm also hoping to get some billets in the HS and HSL
communities. VS long term doesn't look too good, at NATSAG they briefed
the "Air Wing of 2007" and it didn't include VS or CSA. Short term for
VS there maybe some good news soon, stand by I'll post as soon as I know more.

Congratulations to Capt (sel) T.K.Hohl, our first AW Captain. Capt Hohl
converted from 6320 to 1320 as a LT and went on to become CO of VP-9.
He is currently on the CNAP staff.

As always please feel free to call me, DSN: 564-3919

CDR Roy Peterson

The LDO to NFO Program is "finally" back!!!...

ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE

ROUTINE

R 252235Z MAR 99 ZYB MIN PSN 934153I25

FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//

TO NAVADMIN

UNCLAS//N01200//
NAVADMIN 086/99

MSGID/GENADMIN/NPC-43//

SUBJ/AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO/CWO (632X/732X)
/VP NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER (NFO) PROGRAM AND SELECTION BOARD//

RMKS/1. THIS NAVADMIN ANNOUNCES RETURN OF AVIATION OPERATIONS
LDO/CWO NFO PROGRAM FOR CURRENTLY SERVING 632X/732X OFFICERS.

2. AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO/CWO'S ARE AERONAUTICALLY DESIGNATED
OFFICERS WHO ARE TECHNICAL MANAGERS AND SPECIALISTS. THEY ASSIST IN
THE ORGANIZATION, DIRECTION, AND SUPERVISION OF FLIGHT CREW
OPERATIONS AND TRAINING. SOURCE RATING FOR AVIATION OPERATIONS
LDO/CWO'S IS THE AVIATION WARFARE SYSTEMS OPERATOR (AW) RATING.

3. TO MEET INCREASINGLY COMPLEX USW AND SUW SYSTEMS IN THE P-3C AND
THE NEW P-3C AIP AIRCRAFT, A MISSION NEED FOR NFO QUALIFIED AVIATION
OPERATIONS LDO/CWO'S HAS BEEN APPROVED. THESE EXPERIENCED AVIATORS
WILL FILL READINESS FLYING POSITIONS AS NAV/COMMO'S AND TACTICAL
COORDINATORS. THE SINGLE LDO OR CWO BILLET IN EACH VP SQUADRON WILL
BE PHASED IN AT A RATE OF FOUR SQUADRONS PER YEAR COMMENCING IN FY00.

4. THE AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO/CWO NFO SELECTION BOARD WILL MEET IN
JUN 99 TO SELECT FY00 CANDIDATES. AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO/CWO'S
(632X/732X) INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAM SHOULD SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
TO COMNAVPERSCOM (NPC-432M), 5720 INTEGRITY DRIVE, MILLINGTON, TN
38055-4000 NLT 15 MAY 99. APPLICATIONS SHOULD GO VIA COMMANDING
OFFICER AND INCLUDE THE FOL:
A. I REQUEST TO BE ACCEPTED INTO THE NFO PROGRAM FOR FY00. MY
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PROGRAM ARE: (FILL IN).
B. I AGREE TO OBLIGATE TO SERVE SIX YEARS ACTIVE DUTY UPON
QUALIFICATION AS A NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER.
C. PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM APPLICANT WITH REASON(S) FOR
APPLYING.
NOTE: CO'S ENDORSEMENT SHALL INCLUDE STATEMENT CERTIFYING
OFFICER HAS CURRENT FLIGHT PHYSICAL AND MEETS NAVY PRT STANDARDS.
OFFICERS WITH MORE THAN 19 YEARS TOTAL ACTIVE DUTY AS OF 1 JAN 99
WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

5. SELECTEES WILL RECEIVE INDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATION AND REPORT TO NAVAL
AVIATION SCHOOLS COMMAND, PENSACOLA, FL FOR FLIGHT TRAINING. UPON
DESIGNATION AS AN NFO, THEY WILL REPORT TO AN ASSIGNED VP SQUADRON,
VIA FRS.

6. FOR QUESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT LT KRIS HANCOCK
(NPC-432M) AT (901) 874-3948/DSN 882; EMAIL P432M@PERSNET.NAVY.MIL OR
FACSIMILE (901) 874-2721.

7. RELEASED BY VADM D. T. OLIVER, N1.//

BT
NNNN
RTD:000-000/COPIES

For the forum,
19 February 1999

Here's a quick update since last week. I received a call from LCDR
Steve Johnson this morning. He wanted to let me know that based on the
new TSC billets, he has been authorized to promote five AW's from the
FY-99 LDO/CWO alternate list; they were notified today. One of the
alternates was an LDO select for FY-00 so his date of commissioning just
moved up 14 months, WOW! Until I know that all five have accepted
their appointments I won't list their names. As you learn who they are
please let them know about this home page.

The reason this came together so quickly was because of the outstanding
job our LDO's and CWO's have been doing at the TSC's. This made it very
easy for me to convince CPWL that we were the answer to their manpower
shortage. You guys are doing a great job on the front lines, keep up
the good work.

We held the FASOTRAGRULANT ESC meeting this week in Norfolk. The only
reason I mention it, is because as I looked around the table, at the
meeting, sitting beside each of the det OIC's and the CO was an AVOPS
LDO. It was very clear that the leadership of FASO resides in our
training officers: LCDR(sel) Mike Terhaar (det Jax), LT Tim Laws
(Norfolk), and LT Gary Frost (Brunswick) all working to meet fleet
training needs, thanks guys.

LDO NFO nothing new, I have to make a couple of calls next week. If I
hear anything new I'll pass it on.

CDR Peterson
This is my correct e-mail address:
cdr_roy_peterson_at_faso@airlant.navy.mil
DSN: 564-3919 Comm: 757-444-3919

The Flying Mustang
2/11/1999
Gentlemen,

I have been remiss in keeping you informed of what's been happening in
the AVOPS (632X/732X) community. We've had many new developments
that will have an impact on us and I will try to share what I know.
Please note that this is Roy Peterson's slant on current events and
not to be confused with U.S. Navy policy or other legal stuff.

VP LDO NFO:
First, as you may have noticed the ALNAV announcing the VP LDO-NFO
program has not been released yet. Patience in all things with BUPERS
is required, but there is still lot's of good news. I just got off
the phone with Capt. Ruple, our Officer Community Manager. The
message is now in his hands and will be going to VADM Oliver for
release. The good news follows: VADM Oliver is a VP guy and a strong
supporter of the LDO program; we have very strong support from the VP
community, the skippers are looking for their LDO's now; the NPC-4
folks are ready to set up a selection board; the detailers and
placement folks are ready to get our selects started into the
pipeline; and we have a great group of LDO's and CWO's champing at the
bit to earn their wings. I believe it will finally happen this year.

For those worrying about aging out for the program, I can only offer
my heart felt apology. I have done everything I can to grease the
wheels but, it just takes time. For those not selected for the NFO
program remember why you applied for the LDO program in the first
place. You are exercising greater authority and carrying more
responsibility than you ever thought you would. You are in a billet
where you can contribute significantly to our Navy and are! You will
continue to promote and have a great career ahead of you. Don't give
up or work to encourage your best AW's to apply for the program.

VS BILLETS
OK, I thought the billets were secure. I was wrong. We lost those
great flying billets by not pushing for NFO wings (IMHO) while we
still owned the billets. It will be very hard to get them back but,
if the VP program works out OK we can try to sell it to the next VS
Commodores. We still have a lot to offer that community.

HS/HSL
I feel very strongly that we should have either an AVOPS LDO or CWO in
every HS and HSL squadron assigned to Training or Ops. It has been a
long time coming but things are starting to happen in those
communities. We have some great guys working on gaining the billets
we need. CWO2 Mike Headley out at SWATSCOLPAC has written an
excellent point paper and is working the issue on the West Coast. He
can probably use some help. Ltjg Rob Huntington is at HSL-40 now and
is working on converting the billet he is filling to 6320 and will
work the squadron issue in Mayport. The Commodore at CHSWL has
requested LT Dan Emerson by name to fill an 11XX billet at the HS
Weapons Tactics Unit and will convert the billet to 6320. This is our
foot in the door, let's use our experience to talk the program up
within those communities. It won't be easy because as we know there
is no way the helo guys can afford to compensate a pilot for an LDO.
It can happen if you can convince the Commodores to make it a
requirement. They will then have to POM to get the billets funded.
You can make this happen!


TSC
I received a call from Capt. Ruple on 9 February referencing a message
from CPWL on TSC Officer Manning. They are experiencing a real
shortage of officer at the East coast TSC's and are trying to make a
TSC tour more attractive for the URL officers. I called the COS at
CPWL and offered up our AVOPS LDO's as a possible assist. Today I
received a call from LCDR Joe Riso (TSC Officer on CPWL staff) asking
for five LDO Lt's to fill the TSC billets. He doing the staff work
now but I'm encouraged that he will work on compensating one 13XX
billet at each TSC (Sig, Kef, Roosy Rds, Bruns, Jax) for a 632X Lt..
The loss of the VS billets plus the ability to pull from the alternate
list will give us the ability to fill these billets by the end of the
year. I know Roosy is a high priority for them so if your are looking
for orders here's a great opportunity. These billets will be in
addition to the CWO2 billets we currently have.

FLIGHT PAY
I understand there was some confusion about a message that recently
changed aviation service entry dates for ACIP. Some thought that
included their enlisted flying and meant they would receive $650 ACIP
on commissioning. Wrong! When you are commissioned your ACD and ASED
counters start at zero. Only your officer months of flight count
towards your ACIP and more importantly for your Gates.

GATES
It is important that your orders are written for DIFOPS. LCDR Steve
Johnson has been very good about seeing that that happens. If your
orders say DIFDEN your clock has stopped counting and it will bite you
when you hit your next gate. If you want to know where you stand on
flight gates check your Officer Data Card (ODC).
- Block 26 ACD Aviation Commissioning Date should match your date of
commissioning.
- Block 27 ASED Aviation Service Entry Date should be the same as the
ACD
- Block 28 MOF is your total months operational flying as an officer
- Block 29 is # months to your next gate.
- Block 30 is number of additional months operational flying required
to make your next gate.
- Block 31 is the next gate in years.

CV/CVN
I am very proud of what our guys are doing aboard ship, nothing sells
better at a promotion board than qualified TAO! Unfortunately, we
don't have a second tour billet at sea for our LCDR's and we need to
fix that. I need someone to step up to the plate, find the billet and
do the leg work to get the billet converted. We need valid LCDR
billets at sea if you are going to be competitive for CDR.

SENIOR BILLETS
In my last post on the Flying Mustang page, I mentioned that CAPT
Ruple was going to do a scrub of senior billets to find more CDR and
CAPT. billets for aviation LDO's. There was no meeting but CDR Dwight
LaMont the other aviation detailer has been collecting candidate
billets. If you can suggest a senior (O-5 /6) billet for conversion
pass the info on to our detailer, include UIC, BSC, Billet, and
Command.

Additional billets will go a long way towards improving our promotion
opportunities and moving our promotion flow points so they are closer
to the URL's.

LDO FOR CNO
I have heard a rumor that there is strong support in BUPERS for an LDO
Admiral. The talk is that the Seaman to Admiral program is too costly
and that with an LDO Admiral you will cover the Seaman to Admiral
program requirement. They are looking at a single select every other
year to serve for two years. The one star would be our advocate in for
all LDO/CWO issues at BUPERS.

INSERVICE PROCUREMENT BOARD
I sat the board again this year and will post lessons learned at a
later date. Again I was very pleased with the quality of the packages
submitted, but would have liked to have seen more. There were 31
candidates for 2 LDO spots and 22 candidates for 5 CWO spots. Each of
you needs to be looking for your relief and mentor him/her.

AVOPS NOT GOING AWAY
Despite what rumors you may have heard, no one at BUPERS has even
hinted at doing away with our designator. Thanks to your high quality
performance we are very much in demand, and I see that demand
continuing to grow. The key to the growth is you. If you are waiting
for someone else to take action on a billet conversion it will never
happen. I will offer you advise and guidance but only you can effect
the action. Point Papers are great starts but the real work is in the
follow through. You have to make your point over and over to the
right people (read CO's, Commodores, and Admirals). It won't happen
overnight and it won't be easy but it can be done. If you keep
pounding your head against the wall it will come down. (Have I hit
all the cliches yet?)

Finally, I am almost always available to listen to your concerns and
to answer your questions. If you are working on a community issue
please pass on a courtesy copy of any paperwork you have on it or just
a call would be appreciated. Please feel free to call me at DSN:
564-3919 Comm: (757)444-3919 or by e-mail:
cdr_roy_peterson_at_faso@cnal.navy.mil.

(from CDR Roy Peterson to ENS R. Huntington)

....You saw what was going on the last two weeks about the VS billets. I
have been able to confirm the East coast billets are safe, but the West
coast is still a question mark. Your paper and the efforts of the other
CWO's and LDO's in the VS community are what will keep those billets
alive. VS NFO training is definitely the next step.

The VP NFO selection is moving forward at a snails pace, but I have
confirmation from CNAL that the East coast billets are in place, still
waiting on the West coast (sound familiar). I sent a draft ALNAV or
NAVADMIN to LCDR Steve Johnson (detailer), who will staff it at Bupers.
That message will officially announce the program and will pass on
details on submission package and selection board. The letters that
were sent to me will just need to be resubmitted to Bupers with a
Command endorsement. Don't do anything until the message shows up on
the boards.

I'm very pleased to see our guys working hard at billet expansion. Mike
Hadley is working a point paper out at SWATS to establish billets in HS
and HSL. Brian Kenney at VS-41, Rob Croker have worked hard on maintaing
the VS billets and keeping everyone informed. Our new community
manager, Capt (sel) Bob Rupple, has invited me to sit on a billet review
board in Memphis this fall to suggest senior (CDR/CAPT) URL billets that
should be converted to LDO. This will help all LDO designators and
would improve the promotion opportunities for all of us.

I'm on leave this week and next and would apprieciate your passing this
point paper on to all our guys you can find an e-mail address for.

Thanks, Roy

P.S. for John M. if you can post some of these point papers on "The
Flying Mustang"

ENS R. HUNTINGTON wrote:

Sir,

Iv'e enclosed a final versian of the point paper I wrote for VS NFO
training. The CO has signed off on it and as we speak it is being
forwarded to the Commodore at Sea Control Wing, Atlantic. Please
feel free to forward it to other "Flying Mustangs". We will be
flying off the ship and heading home after a very long deployment on
24 Aug. I would appreciate any LDO to NFO selection or program info
prior to my departure. Thanks for your point paper examples and help
with this. V/R

LTJG HUNTINGTON

***POINT PAPER***

LTJG R. HUNTINGTON
VS-31
22 Aug 98

PURPOSE
To provide information as justification for the training of Aviation
Operations Limited Duty Officer (LDO) 632X and Chief Warrant Officer
(CWO) 732X as Naval Flight Officers in VS flying billets.
When implemented, this proposal will provide a tremendous amount of
operational experience, technical expertise and proven leadership
ability to the VS community. Additionally, it will continue to
provide the operational flying billets required to meet flight gates
for Aviation Operations LDO/CWO's.

BACKGROUND
The source rating for Aviation Operations LDO/CWO's is the Aviation
Warfare Systems Operator (AW) rating. This is a flying rate
consisting of aircrewmen who operate sophisticated airborne
electrical equipment in the VS/VP/HS/HSL communities. Aviation
Operations LDO/CWO's are aeronautically designated officers who are
assigned on DIFOPS/DIFDEN orders. They are required to meet
operational flight gates, maintain flight physiology qualifications,
and draw the same ACIP as Unrestricted Line pilots and NFO's.
Between 1974 and 1984 Aviation Operations LDO/CWO's received
training via VT-10 Pensacola, the Naval Aviation Training Unit at
Mather Air Force Base, and then were designated as Naval Flight
Officers (NFO). After earning their NFO wings they were assigned to
VP squadrons and earned their warfare qualifications in the P-3.
They performed airborne duties identical to the Unrestricted Line
NFO, qualifying successfully as Navigator-Communicators, Tactical
Coordinators, an Mission Commanders while retaining their 632X/732X
designators. The VP community has recently restarted this program
and plans to fill every VP squadron with an NFO qualified LDO/CWO.
This includes the basic NFO pipeline training at Aviation Preflight
Indoctrination, VT-10 in Pensacola, and advanced navigator training
at Randolph AFB, Texas.

DISCUSSION
The VS community has never required LDO/CWO's to receive either
formal NFO training or, in some cases, aircraft and weapon system
training at VS-41. LDO/CWO's have flown in either the SENSO or
TACCO seat based on their prior experience, any training they may
have received via VS-41 enroute to their first VS squadron sea duty
tour, and preference of their Commanding Officer. There are
approximately 85 Aviation Operations LDO/CWO's on active duty.
The recent decision to remove acoustic USW sensors and sensor
operators in the S-3B threatens to negatively impact S-3B Viking
crews ability to maintain the same level of efficiency and
effectiveness employing non-acoustic sensors. Although NFO's are
trained to operate the RADAR, ESM, and FLIR systems, the SENSO was
the only member of the crew who was solely focused on sensor
operations.

RECOMMENDATION
Provide all Aviation Operations LDO/CWO's presently serving in VS
flying billets with NFO training via the API / VT-10 / VT-86 pipeline
in Pensacola. Following this training, these officers will return to
their squadrons and fly as Tactical Coordinators (TACCO's) and
Co-Tactical Coordinators (COTAC's). Secondly, provide those
LDO/CWO's with orders to S-3B squadrons CAT I NFO training at
VS-41 following their training in Pensacola. Keeping a cadre of
fleet experienced sensor operators in the VS community is vital.
With the AW sensor operator being removed from the S-3B, Aviation
Operations LDO/CWO's will be the only fleet experienced officers who
can provide a core knowledge of sensor operator skill and expertise.
This expertise becomes even more critical as the Viking community
assumes a Precision Strike Targeting role and continues to employ
increasingly more complex and sophisticated airborne sensors. The
ability to effectively operate and tactically employ the Viking's
non-acoustic sensors will be pivotal to this platform's future.
Providing LDO/CWO's with NFO training will greatly benefit the VS
community. These officers are already aeronautically adapted and
trained. They have already proven themselves both in the air and
in the wardroom. This is an opportunity to retain critical sensor
operator skills in addition to providing VS squadrons with a fully
qualified NFO who can perform in any mission area.

Gentlemen,

Just wanted to pass the word that after 14 years, we will once again be able to earn NFO Wings.

I received a copy of the final approval letter signed by RADM Christiansen (OPNAV 889), dated 21 May 1998. The letter approves the restart of the Aviation Operations LDO/CWO NFO program starting FY-99. The VP community will be giving up one 1320 billet for either a 6320 or 7320 in each of the twelve VP squadrons.

Each of you will be receiving a letter that will outline the program as soon as I receive the address labels from our detailer.

I hope to have inputs from those interested by the end of July and make the selects in August. (Please wait for the letter before sending me your input.) If this works as its supposed to we should start popping billets very soon and we will be selecting four per year for the next three years. Then continuing 2-3 selects a year to mantain the squadron billets. I anticipate we will eventually have an inventory of around 24
AVOPS NFO's on active duty.

The letter will clarify exactly what is involved with the program, but if you have questions please give me a call at DSN: 564-3919 Comm: 757-444-3919 or e-mail: cdr_roy_peterson_at_faso@airlant.navy.mil

Keep flying,

Roy Peterson
CDR USN

The Flying Mustang

(a copy of the letter you will be receiving)

06/05/98

Gentlemen,

We have received OPNAV N889 approval to restart the Aviation Operations LDO/CWO Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Program. This letter provides information on the program and an opportunity for you to express your desire to earn NFO wings.

I have attached a copy of the approved Mission Needs Statement submitted jointly by COMPATWINGSLANT/COMPATWINGSPAC. This letter provides the background, purpose and proposed career path for the Aviation Operations LDO/CWO NFO program. Additionally, I have included a copy of the final OPNAV N889 approval letter.

The road to NFO wings is tough. The curriculum is designed to weed out students who are not academically, or aeronautically adapted. You will be required to complete the entire NFO pipeline (no waivers), right beside the URL student NFO's. The course is challenging and the competition for class standing is keen.

LDO/CWO's are over achievers, and I know each of you are ready to jump at this opportunity to serve your country as VP Navigators, Tacco's and Mission Commanders. Unfortunately, the numbers are limited; so to help the detailer select the best candidates, several senior Aviation Operations LDO's, with representatives from CPWL and CPWP will conduct an informal admin screen in August 1998. The selectees will receive individual notification from the detailer.

To be considered for the program:

- You must volunteer. No one will be forced into this program. We are only looking for folks who truly want these wings.

- You must have a current Flight Physical and meet PRT standards. Remember you will be running with kids fresh out of college as part of the Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) Course. Don't confuse API with AOCS, you won't have to wear the silver helmets and have the DI screaming in your face.)

- You must have sufficient time in service remaining after winging (nine years) to complete two -- three year squadron tours (with a shore tour between), prior to completing 30 years service. What this really means is you need to have completed no more than 19 years total active service at the time you commence training.

- You must be willing to obligate service for six years after winging. This is the same as the URL requirement for winging.

- A VP background is desired but not required

- If selected and not at your PRD, the detailer will work with your command to ensure a relief is identified or an alternate select is commissioned to fill your billet.

If you would like to be considered for this program, please send me a letter or an e-mail to arrive no later than 24 July 98. Briefly outline your qualifications and include a short statement of why you should be one of the first selected to initiate the Aviation Operations LDO/CWO NFO program. Negatives are not required or desired Send letters, to:

CDR R.C. Peterson
FASOTRAGRULANT
480 Bellinger Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23511

e-mail: cdr_roy_peterson_at_faso@airlant.navy.mil
or rptrsn@everest.pinn.net

Selection for the program will be based on your interest, your qualifications, your performance and of course the needs of the Navy. The success of this program will depend on the outstanding performance of the selected LDO/CWO`s in their squadrons and, hopefully, will open the door to future program expansion into other aviation communities.

If you have questions please call me at: DSN: 564-3919/COMM: (757) 444-3919. I am looking forward to hearing from each of you.

Very respectfully,

Roy C. Peterson
CDR USN

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