Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC. (Feb. 6, 2007) -- The maintenance Marines of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 have been putting in long hours recently, testing and verifying their recently acquired aircraft’s fitness for an upcoming deployment with the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit. The squadron is currently verifying the operational fitness of the CH-46E Sea Knights, CH-53E Sea Stallions, and AH-1W Super Cobras before acceptance.

With the addition of the new aircraft comes a supply of fresh faces from throughout the Corps. One addition to the unit is Staff Sgt. Marisa A. Jiles, an avionics technician who was most recently stationed aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Louisiana native said she misses the warm weather, but she’s excited to share her knowledge with her young charges who are just starting out.

“They may get a little knowledge in school, but once they get here, and start working on the aircraft, then they get a feeling for how it actually works and where the systems are,” said the Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran.

After manually pumping the CH-46E Sea Knight’s hydraulic pressure system to 3000 lbs. and giving Jiles the thumbs up to “go hot,” Pvt. Roger K. Winburn checked many gauges throughout the aircraft to ensure that the repairs he and Jiles completed meet published specifications.

With the two jet turbine engines screaming through the aircraft’s metal skin, the grease covered South Carolina native said, “I learn new stuff every day.”

Gunnery Sgt. Ingo Rasch also spends many hours a day testing the unit’s aircraft. The Marines in his charge are responsible for maintaining the Sea Knights’ structural and hydraulics systems.

“The boys have been putting in a lot of hours,” said the German born Airframes Chief. “The Lance Corporals and Corporals do all of the work. The Sergeants issue orders and ensure things are being completed, and most of the [Staff Non-Commissioned Officers] inspect their work and make sure the aircraft is ready for flight.”

“The flight line doesn’t run without junior Marines,” he added.

The primary function of the Sea Knight, affectionately known as a “Phrog” due to its amphibian appearance, is to provide all-weather assault transport of combat troops and equipment day or night. Cpl. Andrew T. Romine tests and maintains XM218 .50 caliber machine guns used during assault missions, among his many other duties.

“I love flying, it breaks up the time,” said the crew chief, “and it’s definitely fun to put a few hundred rounds downrange from 200 feet off the ground with a 50.”

The “Raging Bulls” will only put in more hours keeping their birds aloft during the upcoming months as more aircraft arrive and pre-deployment exercises get underway. They are scheduled to provide aircraft support for the 22d MEU’s training exercise at Fort A.P. Hill.

In addition to HMM-261, the 22d MEU also consists of Battalion Landing Team 3rd Bn., 8th Marines, Combat Logistics Battalion 22, and MEU Command Element. To stay abreast of the squadron’s missions, status, and upcoming deployment visit the MEU’s website at www.22meu.usmc.mil.

Ellie