The following photos update the Original Story — Governor Palin Visits USS Stennis
Meeting Prior to the Trip
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her husband Todd meet with Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, Alaskan Command Commander, 11th Air Force; and Rear Admiral Mark A. Vance, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Strike Group Commander, before heading out to the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during exercise Northern Edge 2009, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, June 18, 2009. Northern Edge 2009 is Alaska’s largest military training exercise. It prepares joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Released/U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Dennis J. Henry Jr.)
Safety Briefing
A Navy pilot from a C-2A Greyhound logistics aircraft gives Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her husband Todd a safety briefing before getting on the aircraft that will take them to the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during exercise Northern Edge 2009, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, June 18, 2009. Northern Edge 2009 is Alaska’s largest military training exercise. It prepares joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Released/U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Dennis J. Henry Jr.)
Navy personnel from a C-2A Greyhound logistics aircraft give Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her husband Todd a safety briefing before getting on the aircraft that will be taking them out to USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during exercise Northern Edge 2009, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, June 18, 2009. Northern Edge 2009 is Alaska’s largest military training exercise. It prepares joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Released/U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Dennis J. Henry Jr.)
To the Plane….
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her husband Todd walk to a C-2A Greyhound logistics aircraft that will be taking them out to the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during exercise Northern Edge 2009, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, June 18, 2009. Northern Edge 2009 is Alaska’s largest military training exercise. It prepares joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Released/U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Dennis J. Henry Jr.)
Aircraft Data and Photo
The C-2A is a “high wing, twin-engine monoplane cargo aircraft, designed to land on aircraft carriers” (C-2A, 2009, ¶1).
The C-2A Greyhound provides critical logistics support to Carrier Strike Groups. Its primary mission is the transport of high-priority cargo, mail and passengers between carriers and shore bases. Powered by twin Allison T56-A-425 turboprop engines and Hamilton-Standard constant speed propellers, the C-2A can deliver a combined payload of 10,000 pounds over a distance in excess of 1,000 nm. The interior arrangement of the cabin can readily accommodate cargo, passengers and litter patients. Priority cargo such as jet engines can be transported from shore to ship in a matter of hours. A cargo cage system or transport stand provides restraint for loads during launches and landings (C-2A, 2009, ¶2).
The large aft cargo ramp/door and a powered winch allow straight-in rear cargo loading and unloading for fast turnaround. The C-2A’s in-flight ramp open capability allows airdrop of supplies and personnel. Its on-board Auxiliary Power Unit provides engine-starting capability and ground power self-sufficiency in remote areas provides an operational versatility found in no other cargo aircraft (C-2A, 2009, ¶3).
C-2A Greyhound. US Navy File Photo. 040720-N-5253L-001 Pacific Ocean (July 20, 2004) – A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the “Providers “ of Fleet Logistic Squadron Three Zero (VRC-30), lands on the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during Carrier Qualifications (CQ), in the western Pacific Ocean. Kitty Hawk is one of seven carrier strike groups (CSGs) involved in Summer Pulse 2004. Summer Pulse 2004 is the simultaneous deployment of seven carrier strike groups (CSGs), demonstrating the ability of the Navy to provide credible combat capability across the globe, in five theaters with other U.S., allied, and coalition military forces. Summer Pulse is the Navy’s first deployment under its new Fleet Response Plan (FRP). Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control, as the world’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, based in Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Jason D. Landon (RELEASED) For more information go to: http://www.cffc.navy.mil/summerpulse04.htm
C-2A [Photo]. (2004, July 20). US Navy. Retrieved June 26, 2009 from: http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=16429
C-2A Greyhound logistics aircraft. (2009, February 17). US Navy. Retrieved June 26, 2009 from: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=100&ct=1
Northern Edge Photos. (2009, June 26). State of Alaska, Governor [Photo Gallery]. Retrieved June 26, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/photos.php
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