CH-53 Super Stallion
Patuxent River, MD — In response to a review board conducted Feb. 6 at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) regarding mitigation efforts stemming from the January 2014 MH-53E mishap in Norfolk, Virginia, the U.S. Navy released a new corrective action directive (AFB-346) to the fleet Feb. 7.
AFB-346 provides step-by-step instructions for inspecting CH-53E and MH-53E helicopter cabin fuel and hydraulic tubes, as well as hoses and electrical wiring within 18 inches of those tubes and hoses, for chafing damage. AFB-346 replaces the previous guidance, AFB-343, which had referenced standard military maintenance manuals for the steps involved.
“The safety of our crewmembers is forefront in my mind at all times,” said Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Manager Col. Hank Vanderborght, U.S. Marine Corps. “Having steps explicitly spelled out, supplemented with photos and soon, a video, will address any chafing issues during inspections. I am confident that this course of action will alleviate any concerns in the H-53 community.”
Wiring and fuel line experts departed for Pohang, Korea; Manama, Bahrain; Futenma, Japan; and Norfolk, Virginia on Feb. 8 to assist and train fleet maintainers; additional teams will depart Feb. 9 for Miramar and San Diego, California; Cherry Point and New River, North Carolina; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.