US Navy launches first SPB pilot for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

The US Department of Navy (DoN) launched the first Sustainment Program Baseline (SPB) pilot for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye this year to achieve predictable readiness across the fleet.

In order to maintain the readiness levels achieved at the end of last year, the DoN is looking to improve the sustainment of weapon systems such as the E-2D.

DoN seeks to bring about enhancement through a rigorous process with improved requirements, funding, and performance controls and governance.

Navy (Sustainment) Deputy Assistant Secretary Sean Burke said: “We are implementing new processes to bring more rigour into our sustainment efforts, and therefore increasing our output to the fleet.

“This sustainment pilot will improve the accuracy of our requirements, funding, performance, and governance of weapon system sustainment.”

A significant component of the SPB pilot process is specific performance requirements for supply, repair, support equipment, engineering, trainers, maintenance and technical data unique for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye that will enable Fleet squadrons to achieve readiness.

By identifying and governing complex interdependencies, the pilot refines resource allocation risks across the Sustainment system.

E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems programme manager captain Keith Hash and E-2 Wing Commander captain Matthew Duffy worked together to address readiness issues.

Duffy said: “We welcome the SPB and its processes of setting specific comprehensive requirements and regularly measuring performance across the span of product support providers.

“This will ultimately generate more readiness and provide additional (full mission capable) Advanced Hawkeyes ready for the high-end fight.”

In September last year, the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft with aerial refuelling capability joined the US Navy’s fleet at Naval Station Norfolk.