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thedrifter
06-21-04, 07:21 AM
Marines keep squadron sky-high
Submitted by: MCAS Iwakuni
Story Identification #: 200461703210
Story by Pfc. Lydia Davey



EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska(June 18, 2004) -- What does it take to keep a squadron of F/A-18D's flying? - Pilots, parts and maintenance people.

The maintenance Marines of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225, here for Northern Edge 2004, have a clear understanding of their mission.

The squadron arrived here May 31 to participate in NE04. Northern Edge is Alaska's annual joint-training exercise designed to enhance interoperability among the services by sharpening and honing joint-service techniques and procedures. It helps provide a ready force capable of protecting America's interests at home and abroad.

"Our job is to keep our jets alive - to maintain aircraft readiness in the squadron," said Sgt. Bruce Cervelli, maintenance controller with VMFA(AW)-225.

It's a responsibility the Marines take seriously, said Cervelli. Fourteen shops, whose maintenance skills range from repairing seats to controlling corrosion, keep the squadron's aircraft flying.

"It's a challenging job - especially on deployments," noted Cervelli. "We run into shortages every day, but through luck and some improvisation, we're able to keep the aircraft up."

"We're a self-supporting squadron," noted Lance Cpl. Rhiannon Bramer, aircraft electrical systems technician. "I think it's neat that we can pick up our gear and work anywhere."

Gear shortages aren't the only challenge the maintenance workers face. Deployments mean more flight hours logged. The hours logged means more wear-and-tear on the aircraft, and that means more work for the shops.

"In school we had a set training schedule," said Bramer, who recently completed military occupational school. "Here, we work until the job is done."

Cervelli agrees that the schedule is something to be reckoned with.

"As a squadron, we're constantly training and constantly moving," he said. "For me, the most difficult thing to deal with is the changing schedules."

Regardless of the challenges, the squadron is performing well.

"The Marines are doing a great job," said Maj. Michael Rodriguez, maintenance officer for VMFA(AW)-225. "The maintenance crews have been working long hours to ensure the exercise is successful."

"Our squadron is performing very well," agreed Cervelli. "We have a good unit filled with good people."

Contributing to the success of the unit is the Air Force, whose hospitality has been outstanding, said Rodriguez.

"We're working very closely with the Air Force," said Cervelli. "They've provided us with vehicles, fuel, general aircraft support and communication capabilities."

More than 9,000 Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen from active duty, reserve and National Guard units are participating in this year's NE04 exercise.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20046171598/$file/Deployment-3l.jpg

Lance Cpl. Josh M. Kepp, ordinance technician for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225, conducts maintenance on an F/A-18D here prior to its participation in Northern Edge 2004. Photo by: Pfc. Lydia Davey

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http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/40746E74BFAA70E185256EB60018EB24?opendocument


Ellie