HII Completes First Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated Air Combat Training Mission with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE:HII) has completed its first contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) air combat training mission with the U.S. Air Force in Europe. This significant event enhances training readiness for U.S. forces in Europe/Africa and was developed over 16 months in collaboration with European governments and regulations. The program offers a cost-effective option for the U.S. government while extending the service life of combat equipment. Partnering with Top Aces, HII provided advanced adversary air training, marking a milestone for contracted air support in the European theater.

Positive

• Successful completion of first COCO air combat training mission with U.S. Air Force.
• Collaboration with Top Aces enhances training capabilities.
• Cost-effective training program benefiting U.S. government and extending combat equipment life.

Negative

• None.

MCLEAN, Va., March 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE:HII) successfully completed the first contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) air combat training mission with the U.S. Air Force in Europe. This training represents a milestone for contracted adversary air training outside the United States and enhances the training readiness for U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA).

Over a 16-month period leading up to the air combat training mission, HII architected the training program and facilitated the coordination of all operational components with European governments, regulatory agencies and USAFE-AFAFRICA. The air combat training program enables U.S. Air Forces in Europe to evaluate training effectiveness, suitability and interoperability of contractor-operated air training for U.S. forces in the European theater. COCO training support remains a key option that is cost effective for the U.S. government, while maximizing training and extending the service life of combat equipment.

“Adversary training enhances the U.S. security defense posture, enables freedom of movement, fosters global security and increases combat effectiveness,” said Garry Schwartz, president of the ISR business group within HII’s Technical Solutions division. “HII is proud to have assisted in this ground-breaking effort in partnership with Top Aces to bring advanced COCO adversary aircraft training to USAFE-AFAFRICA’s fighter squadrons.”

Teaming partner Top Aces, Inc., a global leader in air combat training, provided adversary air support by flying the contractor-owned, contractor-operated Douglas A-4N Skyhawks.

“December’s flights with the U.S. Air Force in Europe’s 480th Fighter Squadron Warhawks at Spangdahlem Air Base, were the culmination of months of work by the HII team and partner Top Aces,” Schwartz said. “We presented sophisticated contractor adversary air training with advanced capabilities to a front-line fighter squadron within the unique constraints of Europe’s regulatory and airspace environment. Although this type of training has become commonplace for U.S.-based fighter units, this is the first assessment in USAFE-AFAFRICA’s European area of responsibility.”

Work was performed under the persistent multi-role operations task order for U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, issued under the one acquisition solution for integrated services contract by the U.S. General Services Administration.

HII is a global engineering and defense technologies provider. With a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities ranging from the most powerful and survivable naval ships ever built, to unmanned systems, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the industry in mission-driven solutions that support and enable a networked, all-domain force. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s skilled workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.hii.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wearehii
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearehii

Contact:

Greg McCarthy
Gregory.J.Mccarthy@hii-co.com
(202) 302-1202

FAQ

What is the significance of HII's COCO air combat training mission?

HII's COCO air combat training mission is significant as it enhances the training readiness for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, marking a milestone for contracted adversary air training outside the U.S.

How long did it take to prepare for HII's air combat training mission?

The air combat training mission was developed over a 16-month period, involving coordination with European governments and regulatory agencies.

What role did Top Aces play in HII's air combat training mission?

Top Aces provided adversary air support by flying contractor-owned Douglas A-4N Skyhawks during the training mission.

What are the benefits of the COCO training program implemented by HII?

The COCO training program is cost-effective, enhances training effectiveness, and extends the service life of combat equipment for the U.S. Air Forces.

When and where did HII conduct its first air combat training mission?

HII conducted its first air combat training mission in December at Spangdahlem Air Base with the U.S. Air Force's 480th Fighter Squadron.