“Little boys want to be fighter pilots. Fighter pilots would rather be COD pilots.” US Navy Flight Officer explains why the C-2A Greyhound is the most desirable aircraft for a Naval Aviator

‘My flight students always looked at me like I was nuts when I told them to go C-2A Greyhound COD, but it really is the best deal in Navy Air,’ Andy Burns, Surface Warfare & Flight Officer at US Navy.

Although the US Navy C-2A fleet is in process of being replaced by the CMV-22B Osprey, the Greyhound still provides rapid airborne logistics capability to the carrier strike force across a full range of sea basing military operations.

As a derivative of the E-2 Hawkeye, the C-2 has a common wing with the Hawkeye but has a widened fuselage and a rear loading ramp. The interior arrangement of the cabin can accommodate priority cargo like jet engines, passengers, litter patients and critical spare parts. A cargo cage system provides restraint for loads during ship launches and landings. Straight-in rear cargo loading and unloading allows for fast turnaround on the ground or carrier flight-deck. The cargo ramp can be opened in flight, allowing for airdrops of supplies and personnel.

The C-2A provided support to the Carrier Strike Groups during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

As told on Quora by Andy Burns, Surface Warfare & Flight Officer at United States Navy, the C-2A is also the most desirable aircraft for a Naval Aviator.

‘The mighty Grumman C-2A Greyhound.

‘My flight students always looked at me like I was nuts when I told them to go COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery), but it really is the best deal in Navy Air.

• Daytime only Boat flying (aka, the fun Boat flying). No night traps.
• Stay ashore unless the Boat is in transit to another AOR, almost always in very nice places and on per diem
• No strike lead quals, weapon schools, or other pain in the ass hooyah stuff. Just fly.
• Boat and Air Wing are always happy to see you and guaranteed “Charlie on arrival,” when you bring the Pony (mail)
• Lots of multiengine PIC time

It’s basically the best parts of Boat flying and shore based life with none of the asspain.

As my old onwing used to say: “Little boys want to be fighter pilots. Fighter pilots would rather be COD pilots.”

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kelly M. Agee/ Released