SERVICES and OPERATIONS PLANNING

Scheduling Overview

Omega operates under a contract with the Naval Air Systems Command NAVAIRSYSCOM PMA 207.5 to support Navy and Marine Corps flight operations worldwide. FACSFAC VACAPES oversees the execution of the Omega contract and approves all flight activity. Users are not charged a fee for using Omega, as all costs are covered under the contract. Fuel received is allocated in the same manner as when refueling on the ground at any military base or airport with government contract fuel.

Types of Support

Any USN/USMC unit can request and use Omega. Omega supports both major exercises (nearly every COMPTUEX and JTFEX) and squadron level training. Below are examples of other missions that Omega has supported recently:

Large Force Exercise training in W-157

MISSILEX in W-72

FRS initial air refueling qualifications

Strike/CAS training in the Yuma exercise areas

Squadron deployments/re-deployments on cross country flights

Deployed air wing support in both major exercise and unit-level training

CVW/NATO exercise in the United Kingdom

CVW strike training in Northern Australia

Squadron BFM/Air-ground/AR training W-72

Another new concept that has evolved recently is unit-independent training. Omega will support every squadron at an air station. These missions are typically coordinated through type-wing or similar level operations personnel. Omega flies on station for set times each day, and multiple squadrons, de-conflicted by time, can use Omega to enhance unit-level training. In March 2004, Omega flew two missions per day for over one week in W-157, supporting nearly every squadron at MCAS Beaufort.

Tanker Availability

General tanker availability can be determined by either checking the schedule online, via phone, or via email. To be included on the schedule, an official request form must be submitted. This takes only a few moments to complete. Upon receipt of the request, you will be notified of availability as soon as possible. Directions for filling out and submitting the official request form are below.

Directions for submitting the official request form

Fill in as much information as possible. If certain information, such as on-station times or offload is not known, put ‘TBD’ in the blocks. Ensure that sufficient contact information is provided to allow for future detailed coordination. The form needs to be sent to both the official government scheduling representative as well as Omega Operations. Omega works closely with the government to ensure the fleet is supported to the maximum extent possible. Email the official request form to the:

Commercial Air services scheduler at FACSFAC VACAPES, Mike Josephson and cc: Omega Operations.

Both emails are available on the 'Contact Us' page.

Short-notice Planning

Large periods of time are often blocked out for major exercise support. As the exercise planning evolves and commences, open time is often identified. On short notice, Omega can easily change to alternate mission support. For example, during a recent JTFEX, several no-fly days appeared in the schedule and, with less than 4 days notice, Omega conducted FRS initial qualification flights and BFM support for other squadrons. If flexible, multiple opportunities will arise during which to receive Omega services during large exercises. And if the schedule is open, Omega should be able to easily support most requests.

Schedule Conflicts

Occasionally, requests for support from multiple units will conflict. General scheduling priority is as follows:

Major exercise, such as a COMPTUEX or JTFEX

Minor exercise, such as a TSTA or Air Wing specific events such as a MISSILEX

Squadron cross-country deployments

Squadron unit level training

Final authority on Omega tasking remains with USN commercial air services oversight managers.

Mission Planning

See the Omega Planning Information and Frequently Asked Questions’ part of this website is a guide to determine offload and timing guidelines. Expect further coordination to take place with Omega Operations.

Omega looks forward to supporting the needs of the fleet!