CMD CHRONOLOGY SECTION II NARRATIVE SUMMARY

File: 120396_sep96_decls7_0004.txt
Page: 0004
Total Pages: 4

Subject: CMD CHRONOLOGY SECTION II NARRATIVE SUMMARY                     

Unit: VMFA 314    

Parent Organization: 3RD MAW     

Box ID: BX600027

Folder Title: COMMAND CHRONOLOGY VMFA 314 JAN 90 - JUN 91                                                     

Document Number:          4

Folder SEQ  #:         10






                                   UNCLASSIFIED



         problems seen. Preventive medicine at the squadron level
         centered on avoidance of physical and mental fatigue in the
         setting of increased activity level.

         D. Safety

             Flight safety took on a new meaning as hostilities began
         against Iraq. Pilot fatigue became an important issue and all
         pilots were reminded to monitor the length of their crew day and
         to ensure they obtain adequate periods of sleep. Extra vigilance
         on preflight checks was encouraged for all pilots. The frequent
         aircraft configuration changes, and the use of live ordnance
         made this extra attention a requirement. Battle damage and combat
         area emergency procedures were reviewed.
              Maintenance and Ordnance personnel did an excellent job
         turning the aircraft and loading ordnance in a rapid, safe
         manner. It was encouraging to note that safety procedures
         practiced during peacetime were not abandoned now that the
         squadron was engaged in combat.

         E.  Int Ili elil@e

              The transition from peacetime training to wartime operations
         went smoothly in the intelligence department. Several pilot
         briefings concerning Iraqi helicopters, counterintelligence, and
         terrorism were conducted on 8 January. As our entry into combat
         operations became imminent, every pilot received a comprehensive
         ISOPREP review, blood chit and SERE charts. Additional planning
         charts were distributed to all pilots prior to their first
         mission.


         F. Maintenance

             The maintenance department maintained an average FMC (Full
         Mission Capable) rate of 89%. One aircraft has been NMC (Non-
         Mission Capable) the entire month due to supply deficiencies.
         The dominant maintenance related problem area for the month was
(ECS), as three
         aircraft were affected. The possibility exists that the
         cumulative effect of dust from the desert environment could be
         causing these ECS discrepancies. The basic A/C configuration
         consisted of 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, two AIM-7M Sparrows, 500
         rounds of 20mm HE ammo and two external fuel tanks (wing
         mounted). In addition, 4 FLIRS were mounted at all times.
         Shortly before the commencement of Operation Desert Storm the
         maintenance department, in preparation for the war, changed
         operating hours from three 8 hour shifts to two 12 hour shifts.
         A battle damage team was formed and training completed. The
         onset of hostilities has brought about a dynamic flight schedule
         with frequent changes in mission times and ordnance
         configurations. Maintenance personnel adapted quickly, losing
         only two sorties while supporting 475 combat hours over the
         remaining 15 days of the month.



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Document 4 f:/Week-38/BX600027/COMMAND CHRONOLOGY VMFA 314 JAN 90 - JUN 91/cmd chronology section ii narrative summary:11229616522914
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-38
Box ID = BX600027
Unit = VMFA 314
Parent Organization = 3RD MAW
Folder Title = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY VMFA 314 JAN 90 - JUN 91
Folder Seq # = 10
Subject = CMD CHRONOLOGY SECTION II NARRATIVE SUMMARY
Document Seq # = 4
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 22-NOV-1996