JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran saw the latest in Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) during a visit to the Naval Air Systems Command on Nov. 7.
Moran toured the land-based facilities, where continued testing of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) is ongoing.
The Navy’s newest aircraft launch and recovery systems have been installed and are undergoing simultaneous testing aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the first-in-class super carrier to be equipped with these new technologies.
“The Advanced Arresting Gear program has been under a great deal of scrutiny. I felt it was important to meet with the engineers for a firsthand look at the detailed testing and modeling in order to gain a more full understanding of the current challenges as we assess the path to program success,” said Moran.
Moran also saw how the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst’s Prototype and Manufacturing Division (PMD) supports a diverse set of mission objectives and services for rapid response delivery of Naval aircraft support and Aircraft Platform Interface missions.
PMD is home to the designated depot for ALRE systems and it works directly with the Fleet and Supply System to meet scheduled and emergent requirements. It acts as a "safety net" to both reverse engineer and manufacture systems and components due to diminishing manufacturing sources, material shortages or system obsolescence.
During the tour, PMD engineers also demonstrated the division’s Additive Manufacturing capabilities in support of rapid response requirements and next generation manufacturing.
“It was an honor to host the Vice Chief of Naval Operations as he got a closer look at EMALS and AAG, and the high caliber work our team is doing here at Lakehurst,” said Capt. Stephen Tedford, program manager, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Office (PMA 251).
“The men and women here in Lakehurst have been working hard to advance this program. Their engineering expertise and critical thinking will be key to success," said Moran.
Adm. Bill Moran is the 39th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. He previously served as chief of naval personnel for nearly three years, where he was responsible for planning and programming Navy manpower, training and education.