Marine Helo Mechanics Repair Damaged Hornet in Afghanistan [Image 2 of 8]

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

03.20.2009

Photo by Cpl. Juan D. Alfonso 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command

(From left to right) Cpl. Matthew D. Rodriguez, Lance Cpl. Andrew D. Powell, Staff Sgt. Jorge Minjares and Sgt. Nicholas G. Koroneos removed a fuel basket from an F/A-18E Super Hornet March 18, 2009, despite having zero experience with fixed-wing aircraft. The fuel basket broke off of its fuel hose during an aerial refueling operation. Fearing damage to the aircraft, the pilot landed on Kandahar Air Field for immediate repairs. The Marines removed it from the Hornet in less than 20 minutes. Minjares is the staff non-commissioned in charge of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361's Flight Line Section, part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan's air combat element. Koreneos is the Flight Line Section non-commissioned in charge. Rodriguez and Powell are CH-53E flight line mechanics with the unit.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2009
• Date Posted: 03.26.2009 04:05
• Photo ID: 159936
• VIRIN: 090326-M-9161A-002
• Resolution: 3504x2336
• Size: 786.39 KB
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF