Modern Navy Question: CASUs?

[Devin]

I had someone ask me something I just don't know. CASUs (Carrier Aircraft Service Units): do they generally deploy with the bird farm or do they stay at the home port? Maybe forward deploying to ground bases from time to time?

Thanks for any info. I just have no idea on this one.

[Werner]

"They also serve, who only sit and wait".

[ScottOram]

I am not at all familiar with that term. Had to look it up.

The typical Carrier Based squadron does not use a CASU as defined. They have their own maintenance departments that do deploy with them.

CASU was originally developed to support VB and VPB squadrons which would eventually become VP. Up until last year, VP Squadrons had their own maintenance departments that deployed with them. With the limited number of P-3s in the inventory the Navy has begun merging the maintenance organization into what they refer to as CMOs (Combined Maintenance Organization). The CMOs are under the control of the cognizant wing in the area. Currently there are CMO-2 (Hawaii), CMO-10 (Whidbey), and CMO-11 (Jacksonville). CMO-5 was never stood up at Brunswick due to the BRAC closure of the installation in 2011, all assets will be merged with CMO-11 between 2009 and 2011.

The organization of the CMO is now that the Aviators are assigned to the various VP Squadrons, The Planes belong to the Wings (2, 5, 10, and 11) and the maintenance personnel are assigned to the CMO. They have detachments that deploy with the squadrons to support their maintenance needs.

The CMO concept has been investigated for the fleet squadrons but no action has been taken due to the organizational structure of the Carrier Air Wing difference significantly from that of a Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing.

[Devin]

Scott,

Thanks for that info. From my research it seemed that it was an older designation. I asked and indeed the researchers are looking for info on CASU 38 during WWII. I'm not at liberty to divulge too much, but if I can help them pin down where that CASU was deployed and during what time frames, then it might help a WWII vet get some much needed higher VA payments.

-Devin

[ScottOram]

Did a little "googling" and found these documents that may provide valuable dates, etc

http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/ww ... 9-2-44.pdf
http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/USN/LLNov44.htm
http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/USN/LLMay45.htm
http://www.vpnavy.com/casuy_shipmates.html