Are these accidents due to a shortage of parts?
Hard to say, but someone also suggested female mechanics not strong enough to reach torque limits. That’s perhaps out of bounds but something worth considering.
Nope. Both squadrons have their share of spares and access to everybody elses.
I doubt it. If there is no money for parts, the aircraft becomes a hangar queen until money for parts is available.
This was a Blue Angle aircraft. I doubt that spare parts was in issue.
At this point, can’t be sure; however, just last week, Military Times reported that the Navy’s operations & maintenance account is under-funded by $800 million. Carrier Air Wing One (which just returned from deployment) is facing a fourth-month standdown during to a lack of parts, maintenance and flying hours.
Here’s the most disturbing comment; a friend was at an event yesterday where Virginia Congressman Randy Forbes (R) was the guest speaker. Forbes, chairman of the HASC Seapower Sub-Committee told his audience that there “are no replacments” for Navy aircraft currently deployed, because only 25% of the F/A-18 fleet is fully mission capable on any given day.
Conditions are just as bad in the Air Force.