LANTIRN Lights the Way for VS-32, S-3 Aircraft

Navy NewsStand ^ | Chief Mass Communication Specialist Will Borrall

[SandRat]

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, currently assigned aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), are the first squadron to test the first-generation capabilities of the Low Altitude Navigation and targeting Infrared System for Night (LANTIRN) pod on their S-3 Viking aircraft.

LANTIRN provides the aircraft with new capabilities, such as Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR), live video feedback to the ship for real-time use, and video recording for later intelligence debriefing. Future models of LANTIRN will include laser designation capabilities.

This sophisticated sensor pod mounts on the aircraft's wing station and is operated by the naval flight officer (NFO) in the right front seat of the aircraft.

LANTIRN will allow VS-32 to keep a closer eye on vessels near the carrier and its strike group.

“It gives us the capability to stand off and observe vessels from a distance,” said Lt. Matt Russell, of VS-32. “We're the first S-3 squadron to get it, so we're the first-generation experiment.”

“The amount of detail and the distance we can see with LANTIRN are both big advantages to the system,” said Russell. “The clarity and range are phenomenal. These advanced abilities translate into a real-world payoff for the Enterprise Strike Group as it continues its mission in the 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO)."

While in the AOO, the ship and its crew of more than 5,400 Sailors and Marines will conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO). These operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet's area of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 25 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen .

USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12 and is also home to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2. Other ships in the strike group include guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757), and fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6).

The squadrons of CVW 1 include the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the “Screwtops” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Rooks” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Maulers” of VS-32, the “Rawhides” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, and the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 .

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.

[SandRat]

051116-N-9742R-006 Atlantic Ocean (Nov. 16, 2005) - An S-3B Viking, assigned to the "Maulers" of Sea Control Squadron Three Two (VS-32), piloted by VS-32's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. William K. Henderson, launches from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) prior to an aerial change of command ceremony. Cmdr. John A. Breast relieved Cmdr. Henderson during the ceremony. Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) are currently underway conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Milosz Reterski (RELEASED)

[SandRat]

LANTRIN LAUNCH!!!

[SIDENET]

I thought that the Navy was just about to retire the S-3. Does anyone have info on this?

[Deathmonger]

Isn't LANTIRN a 20+ year old technology? Great that the S-3 is getting equipped for it in time for its own retirement.

[SandRat]

Yep!

[SampleMan]

All gone in 2007.

[Btrp113Cav]

These are real easy flying birds--low speed. fat wing jet. I thought maybe the one the Prez was aboard was dusted off out of mothball fleet for just that purpose.

I had heard that at one time they were being converted to tankers. Keep em flyin boys.

[Jorge]

Isn't LANTIRN a 20+ year old technology? Great that the S-3 is getting equipped for it in time for its own retirement.

Yes, we've been supplying the military with LANTIRN units for many years..I'm not sure how long our contracts extend but I can easily find out.

Some of this "old" technology is being supported many years into the future.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Navy One is on display at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola.