SP-MAGTF Crisis Response ACE maintains readiness 24/ 7

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Lukas Atwell | Sergeant Daniel Nosek, a Special Purpose-Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response MV-22 Airframe Mechanic and Red Bluff, Calif. native, performs routine maintenance on an Osprey during the night shift at Moron Air Base, June 12, 2013. (Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/ released)  

SPAIN

06.12.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

MORON DE LA FRONTERA, Spain - The mission of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response requires Marines and aircraft to be ready to move at a moment’s notice to respond to potential crises in the African region.

In order to get where they are needed and complete their mission, which could include crisis support to embassies, evacuation support, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, or search-and-rescue, the task force relies on its six MV-22 Ospreys and two KC-130J Super Hercules, as well as a team of aircraft maintenance Marines from the force’s Aviation Combat Element who maintain the force’s aircraft.

“Our ability to respond to a crisis is tied to our ability to transport Marines where they are needed, and that requires Ospreys that are ready to move and KC-130 refuelers to provide aerial refueling,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Ramsey, the SP-MAGTF Crisis Response VM-22 Osprey Maintenance chief. “We simply cannot do it without the ACE’s maintenance Marines.”

In order to maintain a high state of readiness, the maintenance Marines of the ACE must work 24 hours a day, in shifts, in order to ensure the upkeep of each aircraft.

“We inspect each aircraft before and after a mission and our Marines can provide any and all mechanical work needed, no matter what time it is,” said Sgt. David Dennis, an MV-22 crew chief with SP-MAGTF Crisis Response. “When we work on aircraft, we know we have to be able to look each Marine and sailor in the eye and know the aircraft are safe. It is a job we take very seriously.”

While the work is hard, the Marines of the ACE say they are proud to be the first to take part in SP-MAGTF Crisis Response.

“I am proud to be a part of this, we will set the standard for the squadrons who follow us in support of this unit,” said Dennis, a Caruthersville, Mo. native. “We are a part of Marine Corps history now.”

• Date Taken: 06.12.2013
• Date Posted: 06.19.2013 10:06
• Story ID: 108873
• Location: ES
• Hometown: CARUTHERSVILLE, MO, US