Fly By: Pfc. Josh N. Villalobos

Photo By Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom | Pfc. Josh N. Villalobos replaces the locking screws of the propeller engine door on a KC-130J Hercules located on the flight line in front of the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 April 24. Villalobos spends mornings maintaining and fixing anything and everything that has to do with three vital pieces of the aircraft – propellers, engines and fuel lines. He conducts daily checks over all three systems each morning. Villalobos, a Cincinnati, Ohio, native, said the powerline Marines aren’t like other mechanics who deal with the whole aircraft. “Powerline deals with specifics. We have a lot of different moving parts we have to deal with and maintain,” he said. He is a powerline mechanic with VMGR-252.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

04.24.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Pfc. Josh N. Villalobos
Job Title: Powerline Mechanic
Unit: Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252
Age: 19
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Joined: April 23, 2012

Pfc. Josh N. Villalobos spends mornings working hard preparing a behemoth of an aircraft for its daily duties.

Villalobos is a KC-130J Hercules powerline mechanic with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252.

It is his job to maintain and fix anything and everything that has to do with three vital pieces of the aircraft – propellers, engines and fuel lines.

He conducts daily checks over all three systems each morning.

Villalobos, a Cincinnati, Ohio, native, said the powerline Marines aren’t like other mechanics who deal with the whole aircraft.

“Powerline deals with specifics. We have a lot of different moving parts we have to deal with and maintain,” he said.

Villalobos said he loves working on the KC-130J and thrives on the challenges it presents.

“In the absence of this aircraft, the boots on the ground and the pilots in the air wouldn’t be able to conduct the missions they do,” said Villalobos. “We are a vital lifeline for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.”

• Date Taken: 04.24.2013
• Date Posted: 04.24.2013 16:19
• Story ID: 105772
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US
• Hometown: CINCINNATI, OH, US