Harrier Maintainers keep VMAT-203 mission focused

Photo By Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones | Cpl. Bertrand Ouellette takes photos of the inside of an AV-8B Harrier engine Jan. 6, 2015, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Ouellette is inspecting the conditions of the engine to ensure that the blades inside do not need to be replaced. Aircraft mechanics maintain and repair the Harrier’s parts to guarantee the safety of the crew and the success of the mission. Ouellette is a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 and a native of Plattsburgh, N.Y.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

01.06.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Neysa Huertas Quinones 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - The AV-8B Harrier is an aircraft famous for its vertical, short takeoff and landing capabilities. Since its 1981 introduction, the Marine Corps has used the Harrier continuously to provide air-to-ground attack support for Marines in combat.

Keeping the aircraft flying and always ready is not an easy task. It is the responsibility of Marine mechanics and maintainers to ensure the attack aircraft is mission-ready at all times.

Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 has the unique mission of training the naval aviators and maintenance personnel of the Harrier before they join a squadron in the fleet.

Marines with VMAT-203 work together through a variety of jobs that contribute to the success of the squadron and the fulfillment of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s mission.

The 336 members of the squadron ensure its aircraft are constantly operational. They conduct inspections across all components of the aircraft and ensure all on board equipment and electronics are functional, before, during and after flight operations.

According to Cpl. Bertrand Ouellette, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with the squadron, the mechanics must conduct thorough pre and post flight inspections of the entire aircraft to ensure there is nothing that can risk the safety of the crew or hinder their ability to complete their mission.

“Our biggest priority will always be safety,” said Ouellette, a native of Plattsburgh, N.Y. “We are all trained to respond quickly to emergencies and know all of the safety regulations of the aircraft.”

According to Ouellette, maintainers perform preventative maintenance to catch problems before they happen. Additionally, maintainers perform routine maintenance and repairs of the Harrier if deficiencies are found.

“What I like most about my job is having the opportunity to always learn. There is a lot to know about aircraft and how they operate,” said Ouellette, “Keeping these aircraft operating smoothly allows the squadron to take on more missions and uphold Marine Corps standards.”

• Date Taken: 01.06.2015
• Date Posted: 01.20.2015 15:07
• Story ID: 152308
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US
• Hometown: PLATTSBURGH, NY, US