Rockwell Collins field service engineer accompanies helicopter to Africa

Photo courtesy of Garen Grashot,
Ft. Campbell, Ky.
Onboard support - Rockwell Collins Senior Customer Service Engineer Garen Grashot was on board this CH-47F Chinook helicopter when it transported President Bush’s aides and members of his Press Corps around Africa.

When the U.S. Army's 7-101st Aviation Regiment and their CH-47F Chinook helicopter made its first adventure outside of the United States to Africa, Rockwell Collins was on board in more than one way.

Equipped with our company's Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit, this heavy-lift, transport helicopter supports the movement of personnel, cargo and equipment on the battlefield around the world.

Senior Customer Service Engineer Garen Grashot, who typically works out of the regiment's base at Fort Campbell, Ky., was asked to accompany the crew to provide technical support for potential issues that might arise during flight and after landing.

"Before we left, I was able to sit with the pilots and crew members to iron out mission planning and maintenance concerns," said Grashot. "It's just like tuning up a car before a long trip. We did all of the necessary testing prior to departure to ensure we didn't have any problems once we arrived."

Once in Africa, the preparation paid off. Our CAAS system was free from technical problems while it transported President Bush's aides and members of his Press Corps around the world's second largest continent.

According to Grashot, the entire trip lasted about two-and-a-half weeks, but the unit spent only 10 days in Africa.

"From a Rockwell Collins standpoint, we had zero deficiencies while we were there, which contributed to the success of the rest of the mission," said Grashot, who was attached to the unit and therefore provided constant support. "I believe the trip was a complete success for our company."

During the visit, Grashot did not have any direct contact with President Bush or any of his aides or the press. Instead, he focused on the work at hand.

"I was there to support our Army customer and while the opportunity to meet the president did present itself, I also had an obligation to ensure our aircraft had no major issues during their mission departure," said Grashot.

While much of his time was spent behind the scenes, Grashot feels lucky to have been able to be part of such a historic trip.

"It was a privilege to support the Army and the CH-47F," he said. "I have been on this program for a little more than two years, starting with the flight testing of the prototype through the fielding of the production models. To see the aircraft perform in such spectacular fashion during its first overseas deployment makes all of the hard work and long days and nights worth it."