The US Navy’s Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30) ‘Providers’ conducted its final official C-2A Greyhound flight at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island in California on September 20.
The C-2A (BuNo 162178/36) conducted several passes over North Island’s Halsey Field before returning to the VRC-30 ramp. The Greyhound was subsequently flown cross-country to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, where it was handed over to VRC-30’s sister unit, VRC-40 ‘Rawhides’. Having operated the C-2A since the early 1980s, the ‘Providers’ will conduct its official sundown ceremony on October 13 and will be formally deactivated on December 8.
Responsibility for the squadron’s Japan-based Detachment 5 was realigned under VRC-40’s command structure at Naval Station Norfolk on September 30. The ‘Rawhides’ will continue to support the US Navy's Atlantic Fleet until Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 40 (VRM-40) ‘Titans’ assumes the US Navy’s carrier onboard delivery (COD) mission with its CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotors.
Initially established as Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 30 (VR-30) on October 1, 1966, the ‘Providers’ operated the Greyhound in the COD role since 1981. Beginning in August 2021, the Navy’s COD mission was gradually turned over to VRM-30 ‘Titans’ at NAS North Island.
