Photo By Staff Sgt. Anne Henry | U.S. Navy Seaman Waylon Molder, an aviation machinist’s mate with Fixed Wing Patrol...... read more read more
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QUEENSLAND, Australia- Members of the Royal Australian Air Force and U.S. Navy personnel worked to provide maintenance to the AP-3C Orion and P-3 Orion July 17 at RAAF Base Townsville in Queensland, Australia during Talisman Saber 2013.
Talisman Saber is a biennial military exercise that enhances collaboration between U.S. and Australian forces for future combined operations, humanitarian assistance, and natural disaster response.
The AP-3C and P-3 both have numerous capabilities that will be exercised during Talisman Saber, including anti-submarine warfare as well as reconnaissance.
In order for the AP-3C and P-3 to conduct practice missions, proper maintenance is critical for the aircrews flying them.
“The type of maintenance work we do in this aircraft is very comprehensive,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony Bond, an ordnance chief with Fixed Wing Patrol Aircraft 26. “We have to ensure this plane is in good condition in order for it to fly and return safely to us.”
Upkeep for both the AP-3C and P-3 involves hours of work and comprehensive care according to RAAF Cpl. Dave Gibbs, an aircraft technician with 11th Squadron, RAAF. Maintenance for the planes ranges from airframe and engine care to the avionics inside the aircraft, he added.
“We do everything from maintenance to changing and testing components,” said Gibbs.
Maintaining the aircraft is a 24-hour job for those involved with both forces working to keep the aircraft flying.
“We are on 12-hour shifts with three crews each working in conjunction with U.S. forces,” said Gibbs.
Talisman Saber is a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Australia that contributes to enhancing interoperability between the two countries’ forces.
“In order for these planes to go up and successfully train they must be safe to fly,” said Bond. “In our P-3 we have a total of 11 crew members. Their lives and the success of the mission depend on the maintenance we provide to the aircraft.”
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2013 08:38 |
| Story ID: | 110578 |
| Location: | TOWNSVILLE, QLD, AU |
| Web Views: | 247 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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