Dilbert Dunker Farewell

Wings of Gold, Spring 2004 by Martin, Kimberly A, Popp, Tony

The infamous Dilbert Dunker has served generations of Naval Aviators, teaching them how to escape following a ditching at sea. Technically identified as the Navy's 9E8E training device, the Dilbert Dunkcr at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington made its made final plunge in November with the air station's CO, CAPT Stephen Black "at the controls." He is but one of more than 8,300 aircrew personnel who have trained in the Dunker since it was placed in operation in 1984 at Whidbey's Aviation Survival Training Center. A new state of the art facility opened in February of this year at Whidbey.

The Dilbert Dunker impacts the water, becomes submerged and flips over (upside down) with the student strapped in its "cockpit," simulating what might happen in a real ditching. The student then orients himself or herself, unstraps and swims clear. Safety swimmers are underwater to assist when necessary.

Hollywood actors Danny Glover and Brad Johnson used this same dunker in 1989 in preparation for their roles in the movie, "Flight of the Intruder." The public is also familiar with the dunker as a similar trainer used in the movie, "An Officer and a Gentleman."

The 9E8E trainer was removed from service as the Naval Operational Medicine Institute at NAS Pensacola, Florida replaced it with a $4.5M Aircrew Water Survival Training Facility. Inside the 22,000 square foot pool complex is a multi-place underwater egress trainer that can seat at least six individuals (as may be the case in a helicopter); a parachute over water slide trainer; a parachute drag and helicopter trainer; and office and maintenance spaces. An additional 3,000 square feet is for administrative and classroom activities.

The Center at Whidbey Island primarily trains flyers from the EA-6B Prowler, P-3C Orion and SH-3 Sea King helicopter communities, as well as flyers from other military aircraft platforms. Aeromedical aviation survival and human factors training is included in the curriculum.

This story was contributed by Kimberly A. Martin and Tony Popp of the Public Affairs Office, NAS Whidbey Island. Photos are by the Fleet Imaging Center.