VFA-27 receives nomination
for CNO Safety Award

VFA-27, currently in the Arabian Gulf aboard the aircraft carrier Independence, is proud to receive the nomination for the 1997 Chief of Naval Operations Annual Aviation Safety Award as the Navy’s premier safety conscious Strike Fighter Squadron.

"The ‘Royal Maces’ enjoy a safety environment second to none," said Lt. Cmdr. Dennis "Smiley" Mikeska, a native of Rosenberg, Texas. "A top-to-bottom, combat readiness through safety attitude, and the strongest commitment to professional excellence, are the hallmark of VFA 27’s maintenance organization and aircraft operations."

Through an "all hands," dedicated effort, the squadron surpassed 11 years and 44,000 hours mishap-free.

Individual safety citations include the Commander, Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet, Safety Pro of the Week awarded to Lt. Tim "Foamy" Ericsen for his flawless execution of emergency procedures and superb airmanship demonstrated during the main landing gear collapse of a squadron F/A-18C.

This catastrophic event occurred during a night catapult takeoff aboard Independence.

"Lt. Ericsen’s actions saved a valuable asset and enabled investigators to identify a potential fleetwide safety issue — fatigued main landing gear trunion pins," Cmdr. Garry "Craze" Mace, VFA-27’s Commanding Officer said.

Ericsen was awarded the Air Medal by Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and the Order of Daedalians Distinguished Airmanship Award for his outstanding performance.

During 1997, the squadron displayed its "do it right the first time" attitude by safely expending 5,546 chaff/flare rounds, 10,890 pounds of forward firing ordnance, and 199 tons of heavy ordnance. This occurred during a time of increasing manpower shortages, seemingly insurmountable logistic/operational challenges, and increased technological requirements.

On August 30th, the "Maces" conducted pre-deployment carrier qualification by supporting Indy in its Precision Aircraft Landing System certification. This process identified potential Fresnel lens stabilization mode errors, which enhanced the safety of the entire Air Wing.

"Strike Fighter Squadron 27 lives by the philosophy that risk management is an all-hands, daily effort," stated Lt. Cmdr. Mike "Buffy" Overson, the squadron’s safety officer at the time of the inspection. "From the most junior Sailor to our most senior aviator, the "Royal Maces" strive to do the right things, the right way, for the right reasons."

Caption: VFA 27 personnel assure their work is done safely.