Photo By Capt. Adam Miller | Lance Cpl. Jacob W. Molter works on the pitch-varying housing of a CH-46E Sea Knight...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Japan - Sporadic gusts of wind coupled with the sounds of aircraft taking off and landing is just another day at the office for the Marines of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36.
The squadron, part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, is located at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and is engaged in many different activities on a typical day.
As of late, the squadron has concentrated the majority of its efforts toward transitioning from the CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter to the MV-22B Osprey.
The transition had a considerable impact on the squadron, according to Master Gunnery Sgt. Felipe Rodriguez, the maintenance chief for the squadron. The Marines went through further training on maintenance and safety to prepare for the Osprey’s arrival.
“Acquisition of materials, equipment and tools was a major focus,” said Rodriguez. “Our Marines have continued to meet the squadron’s routine responsibilities during the transition.”
Providing aviation logistics support, guidance and direction to MAG-36 component commands is the primary mission of the squadron.
“We keep the aircraft flying,” said Sgt. Tyler D. Thomas, a helicopter power plants mechanic with MALS-36. “We support the entire flight line. We’re ready to support all those squadrons and we’re ready at a moment’s notice. We’re here to make everyone else’s job easier.”
Aircraft maintenance, a critical mission for the squadron, may be a greasy, hands-on job, but for Marines like Thomas, it is exactly what they signed up to do.
“I like working on the engines, and working for the squadron is great because I’ve always wanted an aircraft-related job,” said Thomas.
Not all of the Marines with MALS-36 get their hands dirty working on engines, but a collective sense of satisfaction is evident when it comes to accomplishing the squadron’s mission.
“(The squadron) provides material, people, parts and capabilities for the aircraft group to go forward, deploy and execute its mission,” said Maj. Robert E. Flannery, the executive officer of MALS-36.
Watching MAG-36 aircraft take off from the flight line gives the squadron’s Marines a feeling of accomplishment every day.
“Working side by side with some professional and fantastic Marines is the most enjoyable part of working at the squadron,” said Flannery.
| Date Taken: | 11.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2012 00:29 |
| Story ID: | 97826 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 332 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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