VMAQ 4 maintainers keep jets flying

Photo By Maj. Matthew Finnerty | A U.S. Marine with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, conducts scheduled maintenance on an EA-6B Prowler to prepare it for future missions and training in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Nov. 12, 2014. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-CR-CC serve as an expeditionary, crisis-response force tasked with supporting operations, contingencies and security cooperation in Marine Corps Forces Central Command and CENTCOM. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Matthew W. Finnerty/Released)  

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11.16.2014

Story by 1st Lt. Matthew Finnerty 

Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND (Nov. 16, 2014) -- The Marine Corps’ fleet of aircraft require constant upkeep and support to ensure they remain capable of flying an increasing amount of combat and training missions around the globe.

In Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, the responsibility to support the command’s EA-6B Prowlers belongs to the non-commissioned and staff non-commissioned officers.
“NCOs have stepped up, Staff NCOs have stepped up, in response to requirements to get jets up to support missions,” said Maj. Erik Lein, executive officer, VMAQ 4.

Stepping up for many includes the authority to supervise and approve maintenance on the Prowler. These Marines, assigned as Collateral Duty Inspectors and Quality Assurance Safety Observers, serve as a layer of safety and responsibility when conducting the work needed to make the aircraft operational.

“The QUASO’s responsibility is to make sure that the Marines stay safe and the integrity of the jet is safe while loading any ordnance,” said Cpl. Cameron I. Mandaguit, aircraft ordnance technician, VMAQ 4, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command.

Aside from supervising the loading and unloading of ordnance, a select group verifies the repairs and work of their fellow Marines, and conducts the final checks to certify aircraft for flight.

“[Collateral Duty Inspectors] get the trust in the squadron,” said Cpl. Nicolas A. Vannozzi, electronic countermeasures technician, VMAQ 4, SPMAGTF-CR-CC. “If a pilot walks up to you and says, ‘Do you think that this going to fly,’ I can say yes or no. It’s pretty much the goal once you get in the squadron.”

The work the Marines do to support VMAQ 4’s mission requires constant vigilance on behalf of the Marines. As the commitment to Operation Inherent Resolve grows, and VMAQ 4’s support increases as a result, the unit’s Marines and sailors continue to ensure that their Prowlers are prepared to fly.

“Our perspective in the shops is always work hard; always make sure the jets are up for the mission,” said Cpl. James R. Henderson Jr., airframe mechanic, VMAQ 4, SPMAGTF-CR-CC. “Now we’re just working a little bit harder, a little bit faster. We know there are missions to do and we’re here for a reason.”

The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-CR-CC serve as an expeditionary, crisis-response force tasked with supporting operations, contingencies and security cooperation in Marine Corps Forces Central Command and U.S. Central Command

• Date Taken: 11.16.2014
• Date Posted: 12.04.2014 14:58
• Story ID: 149396
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)