Fly By: Pfc. Josh N. Villalobos

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom

Date: 04.24.2013
Posted: 04.24.2013 15:59
News ID: 105772
Fly By: Pfc. Josh N. Villalobos

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.”