Aging Phrog still hopping strong

Photo By Cpl. Ryan Young | Two Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 work on a CH-46 Sea Knight aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 20. The squadron's aircraft undergo corrosion maintenance on a routine schedule to minimize the effects Iraq's environment has on the aircraft.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

09.04.2009

Story by Cpl. Ryan Young 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — It is no secret that the CH-46 Sea Knight, one of the Marine Corps' oldest aircraft, is on its way out as the new MV-22 Osprey replaces the CH-46 as the Corps' medium-lift assault support aircraft. The end of its nearly five decade reign is coming to a close, but the Marines are ensuring the Sea Knight's final chapters finish strong.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 has been deployed to Iraq's Al Anbar province since March 2009, flying their seasoned CH-46 aircraft, also known as the Phrog, practically every day and night without missing a mission due to maintenance. The maintenance Marines of the Red Dragons work around the clock to ensure the Phrog's reputation stays solid to the end.

"It is a pride thing for the '46 community,'" said Cpl. Elissa Everett, an HMM-268 flightline mechanic. "Sure, they are being replaced by the Osprey, but this aircraft has had a strong history, and we want to keep it that way to the end."

The Red Dragons' maintenance effort centers around five core maintenance shops: flightline, avionics, airframes, ordnance and flight equipment. Additional maintenance support and control come from maintenance control, maintenance administration, quality assurance and the phase maintenance shop. Their combined and well-orchestrated efforts keep every part of the squadron's aircraft functional.

"Everyone works together to get the job done and keep the mission going," explained Master Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Yri, the HMM-268 maintenance chief.

Just like any aircraft deployed to Iraq, the environment is one of the major challenges that keep the maintainers busy day to day. High temperatures can cause leaks to spring more easily and can damage electrical components. The fine Iraqi sand gets into every opening on the aircraft, affecting engine performance as it grinds away at wires and components. Constant preventative maintenance is conducted to combat the harsh environment's toll on the Phrogs.

The Marines have a preventative maintenance schedule based on flight hours flown and calendar-based events. This dual schedule design guarantees all aircraft receive necessary maintenance, keeping them "up" and available for quick tasking.

"Obviously preventative maintenance is the only thing we can truly schedule — no one knows when or what part is going to break. We just know it is going to be something, and so we stay on top of issues that we know can cause problems if left unattended," said Yri.

Yri said the biggest challenge is the occasional scarcity of certain parts of the aircraft. The squadron's newest CH-46 was built in January 1971, and the original manufacturer no longer makes the Phrog. The result is that some parts of the aircraft are no longer made and are therefore difficult to keep in the supply inventory.

Another way the maintenance Marines of HMM-268 keep the Sea Knights ready for operations is by ensuring any work done on the aircraft is done right the first time. A Marine's work is always checked constantly, all the way up to the aircraft's pre-flight inspection by a crew chief. Honor and pride run deep in this community. These Marines don't want a mistake on their part to be the cause of an issue with their proven aircraft.

Every HMM-268 Phrog in Iraq has exceeded the aircraft's original expected lifespan, originally set at 10,000 flight hours, accomplishing their important missions safely. One of their oldest Sea Knights has safely moved Marines and supplies for 13,200 hours over the course of its service.

Yri said that this is not only a testament to this great platform, but also to the quality Marines who have worked on these aircraft previously and the Marines who maintain and fly them today.

"The hard work they put into this aircraft and the conditions they endure has no doubt instilled a top notch work ethic in our Marines," said Yri. "It makes for a very safe helicopter."

• Date Taken: 09.04.2009
• Date Posted: 09.04.2009 14:40
• Story ID: 38374
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ