It might be the most powerful in the world but the U.S. Navy seems to have trouble battling the weather. A month after losing a $30 million to $60 million F/A-18 overboard from a carrier, at least nine helicopters were seriously damaged at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on July 26 when a powerful thunderstorm blew through. “We can confirm that nine helicopters located at Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field sustained damage while on deck at the airfield following a severe storm that occurred in the area July 26,” Naval Air Force Atlantic said in a statement to Navy Times Wednesday. “Known damages to the aircraft span from broken tail and rotor blades to structural dents and punctures in the airframes.”
The aircraft include MH-60 Seahawks and MH-53E Sea Dragons, according to the Navy. There were no injuries and no impact on operations. The storm hit about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and winds reached 60 MPH. Images show the big choppers strewn around the ramp, some toppled over. Last month an F/A-18 was blown off the deck of the carrier Harry S. Truman operating in the Mediterranean. The Navy cited unexpected rough weather for that incident.
Who forgot the tie downs? No doubt soon to be promoted out of harm’s way.
My first thought when I read the story. With the weather radar capabilities of today it’s hard to believe that they didn’t secure the helos and they had no warning?
How about putting them in a hangar – Maybe they cannot afford hangars – We have always put ours in hangars. Saves al lot money.
The person in charge at the top should be fired as well as those charged with securing . They should also loose their retirement. That would be the same for the loss of the F-18 unless their was a failure of the hold downs. I do like and have gratitude for those in the military, i did my time. With all the weather information they had there is no excuse for this. What has happened to discipline?
I worked for Northrop/Grumman in the mid 90’s on F 14’s in Norfolk, the storms that would roll through there we legit.
I worked on F-14D’s at NAS Oceana (Grumman subcontractor) at the same time (’90 – ’91). I loved the work, but the weather was harsh on this California boy. Don’t get me started on the thunderstorms… ferocious doesn’t even begin to descibe them. I too wonder what genius ignored the weather forecasts and didn’t tie those helos down.
Not a problem. Print more money. Buy more helicopters and air planes. Helps the economy.
Not funny. We’re doomed.