Liberty Bell Sailor receives Safety Pro Award

Imagine an E-2 Hawkeye attempting to land aboard Independence. As the Hawkeye’s tailhook engages the arresting wire, the hook point abruptly shears off sending fragments of metal and sparks shooting down the flight deck while the aircraft rapidly decelerates below flying speed.

As the 47,000 pound Hawkeye lurches toward the end of the flight deck, the pilots immediately add maximum power, but is it too little too late? Will the aircraft get safely airborne again or will the Search and Rescue team be called away as the aircraft tumbles overboard?

This potentially fatal mishap was averted on March 14th thanks to the observant eye of Aircraft Hydraulics Mechanic 2nd Class Tyrone Coleman, a native of Inglewood, Calif., who has been with VAW-115 for eighteen months.

Coleman was performing a routine preflight inspection prior to a daytime launch when he discovered a structural defect in the aircraft’s tailhook, or "stinger." After having checked several other areas of the aircraft, Coleman came to the tailhook section when something abnormal caught his eye.

"I saw a slight bulge in the stinger that didn’t look right," Coleman said, "I took a closer look and discovered the crack."

Immediately upon finding the defect Coleman consulted the squadron’s Quality Assurance representative who confirmed the finding and declared the aircraft unsafe for flight.

For his keen observation Coleman has been awarded the Liberty Bell Safety Pro award, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the squadron’s safety program, and has also been nominated for the COMNAVAIRPAC Safety Pro of the Week award.

"Safety is always on the forefront of your thoughts on the flight deck," Coleman stated, "when I’m doing my preflight I’m always thinking ‘will this plane make it back; would I take it flying?"

Because of Coleman’s sharp eye, maintenance was notified and the damaged stinger was quickly replaced.

The Hawkeye and her crew launched on time and, after a successful Operation Southern Watch mission, returned safely aboard Indy.

Caption: AMH2 Tyrone Coleman found a crack in the stinger of an E-2C Hawkeye during his preflight inspection. (PHOTO BY LT MIKE KIBLER)