Lance Cpl. Selena Paneda shares her story as a helicopter dynamic component mechanic [Image 3 of 3]

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.11.2020

Photo by Lance Cpl. Karis Mattingly  

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Selena Paneda, a helicopter dynamic component mechanic with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, fixes dynamic components that transmit power to aircraft blades, on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan.

Paneda repairs the dynamic components for helicopters of different model series. She also helps Marines aid the readiness of helicopters for flight operations.

“I ensure that the Marines under me understand their tasks,” said Paneda, a native of San Gabriel, Calif. “I assist them whenever they need help.”

According to Paneda, she remains mission ready by running several times a week along with pull-ups everyday, ensuring she stays physically fit. She also works on her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) roadmap to be more proficient and work towards becoming a collateral duty inspector.

The MOS roadmap is intended to aid Marines in making intelligent decisions regarding career paths. It includes MOS and other skills training, Professional Military Education, and Voluntary Education.

“Knowledge is power,” said Paneda. “In and out of work I constantly strive to learn more about my job, and I am more reliable because of it.”

According to Pandeda it is important to her to remain proficient in her MOS. To her, being a leader is taking every opportunity to learn more and passing that on to other Marines.

“Don't let the pressure get to you,” said Paneda, expressing advice to other Marines. “Realize how strong you really are. We can overcome all of the challenges we face.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Karis Mattingly)

• Date Taken: 08.11.2020
• Date Posted: 08.21.2020 03:34
• Photo ID: 6321052
• VIRIN: 200811-M-TS451-0128
• Resolution: 2000x1333
• Size: 526 KB
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JP