A Mean Engine For A Mean Plane

Aero-News has learned that sailors working in USS Enterprise's (CVN 65) jet shop this month got their first chance to work on the F-414-GE-400 series engine, the engine for the Navy’s newest aircraft -- the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 switched over to the Super Hornet prior to commencing its deployment May 2 aboard Big E. When the squadron began having trouble with an engine in one of its aircraft while the ship was conducting operations in the Persian Gulf, they turned to the sailors in the jet shop for help.

Aviation Machinist's Mate (AD) 2nd Class (AW) Christopher Daupert, maintenance supervisor in the jet shop, is the only sailor in the shop inspector-qualified for this engine, and he was sent to Enterprise before deployment because of his extensive knowledge.

"I initially started the F-414 work center at Oceana," said Daupert. "I’ve been working on this engine since it came to the East Coast. I am dual-qualified for the 404 series and the 414 series engines (right)."

Under Daupert’s leadership, the ADs brought in the engine to begin troubleshooting.

"Whenever an engine comes down, there’s a series of tests we run on it," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Muhammad Habeebut-Lah from the jet shop. "We stick a bore scope, or little camera, inside the engine to see what’s wrong. On this engine we discovered a crack in the combustor, so we have to order a new one."

Once they get the new part and put the engine back together, they make sure all the settings, such as fuel flow, engine temperature and oil consumption are giving the proper readings.

If they are, then the engine is ready for issue.

"We take them out to the test cell to ensure the engine is safe to go back into the aircraft," said Daupert.

In a couple of days, if everything goes according to plan, the aircraft will be back in the fight to help maintain prompt and sustained combat operations from the sea.

"My favorite part of this is watching the birds take off after we fix them," said Habeebut-Lah.

(Aero-News salutes Journalist 3rd Class Jill Lynn Broecher, USS Enterprise Public Affairs)

FMI: www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn65/