Dubuque (LPD 8) - Naval Cruise Book

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ACE The Aviation Combat Element of Contingency MAGTF 3-88 is HMLA-267 (-) REIN. The mission of the ACE is to provide transport, utility and attaclc helicopter support to the landing force in the ship-to-shore movement and in subsequent operations ashore. Our mission demands aircrew proficiency to accomplish the numerous tasks assigned in a variety of roles. These include, but are not limited to, special operations (anti-terrorist team insertion and extraction, SPIE-rig. helo-casting, fast rope and ship take down support) medical evacuation, close-in fire support employing such weapons systems as 5 and 2.75 FFAR, 20MM cannon and 7.62 MM machine and gatlin guns. Providing assault support, helicopter and ship escort, command and control, forward air and tactical air control (airborne) are just a few of the squadrons capabilities. The ACE is organized into several departments: S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, S-5, Department of Safety and Standardization (DOSS) . aviation maintenance and aviation supply. The tasking of the S shops is essentially the same in the ACE as it is in its ground counter- parts. The DOSS is tasked with planning, coordinating, implementing and enforcing those programs that maximize the squadron ' s combat readiness through mishap preven- tion and conservation of warfighting assets. The DOSS is further tasked with ensuring that all flight procedures are being performed in accordance with the squadron standard operating procedures (SOP) . The mission of the maintenance department is to provide safe, flyable mission capa- ble aircraft to support flight operations. Maintenance is performed at the organizational and intermediate levels in the following areas: engines, dynamic components, hydraulics systems, avionics systems, aviation life support systems, composite material and metal repair, ordnance and fire control systems, non-destructive inspection and ground ' sup- port equipment. Maintenance is controlled at the organizational level by a maintenance control and at the intermediate level by production control. Both levels of maintenance have a quality assurance branch to ensure the highest quality of maintenance is per- formed. Aviation supply is tasked with providing the logistical supply support required to sustain the squadron aircraft inventory. The aviation supply department is responsible only for those items directly related to aircraft or aircrew. Flight suits, rotorblades, flight gloves and basic nuts and bolts are just a few of the many things found in the aviation supply inventory. 62