Photo By Cpl. Michelle Piehl | Lance Cpl. Ryan P. Duritsch, an airframe mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Amid the roar of engines resounding in Hangar 6, a group of Marines prevent and eliminate corrosion on MV-22B Ospreys aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
Airframe mechanics with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 “Sea Elks” work to ensure all Ospreys within the unit are well-maintained and prepared for flight. In addition to mechanical work, these Marines focus on preventing and treating the formation of corrosion.
“Our mission is to prevent as much corrosion as possible,” said Lance Cpl. Ryan P. Duritsch, an airframe mechanic with VMM-166 and a Brookville, Ind., native. “Every part of the aircraft is essential to flight. If a panel or a component corrodes, it will not be able to do its job as effectively.”
Diligent study and wisdom gained from five volumes of corrosion control publications helps prepare the airframe crew to handle any number of situations. Even after several months of schooling, airframe mechanics constantly gain new understanding through real-life scenarios.
“Even if you’ve done a job before, you can learn something new,” said Duritsch. “You are always learning.”
Sgt. Luke D. Pederson, an airframe mechanic with VMM-166 and a Portland, N.D., native, explained the various aspects of corrosion control. Parts of the aircraft are painted, sealed or coated with a protective compound used to prevent the formation of corrosion. In order to treat a corroded section, the airframe mechanics will sand or scrub away the affected area. After it is removed, the treated area is coated with a protective sealant, compound or paint to prevent future damage.
“If [corrosion] gets bad enough, or isn’t caught in time, it can cause component failure,” said Pederson. “Especially if it’s on structural components under high stress or high heat. [Corrosion control] prevents an aircraft from being down for an extended period of time, or from having a component failure.”
Pederson stressed the importance of rigorous pre-flight inspections completed by collateral duty inspectors. CDI’s ensure all components of an aircraft are in prime condition for flight. Because each Osprey is inspected prior to every flight, corrosion control is maintained and managed to prevent any major concerns.
“Because everything plays an essential role, if something should become ineffective, it could harm or put other Marines in danger,” said Duritsch. “It is essential to prevent as much as possible.”
Airframe mechanics working with corrosion control also have a unique opportunity within their squadron. Tasked with painting the Ospreys, these Marines get to show their creativity through painting their squadron’s insignia on the tail of the commanding officer’s aircraft.
In each unit, one aircraft is designated to be a motivational aircraft, displaying a colorful version of the unit emblem. Each of the other unit Ospreys displays a tactical version of the emblem.
While the job of rust and decay prevention is never complete, corrosion control will always be essential to ensuring safety and mission accomplishment.
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.24.2012 16:29 |
| Story ID: | 88968 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 410 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Inspection ready: airframe mechanics eliminate corrosion, by Cpl Michelle Piehl, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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