Photo By Tech. Sgt. Joselito Aribuabo | U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Fisher, quality assurance representative with Marine Light...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Keeping military assets in tip top condition and mission ready day to day, especially in a high tempo environment, is a team effort. The quality assurance representatives of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, work hand-in-hand with maintainers to accomplish mission objectives during Integrated Training Exercise 2-16, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 20 - Feb. 20, 2016.
Quality assurance is the overseer of safety in the maintenance department. QARs observe aircraft repairs ensuring that safety is not compromised in a high tempo environment similar to a deployed location, and maintenance is done within guidelines once it's complete.
"Our aircraft and crew has to be ready at a moment's notice, Birds need to be launched within minutes, especially for troops in contact for support whether it's in a training or real world scenario," said Master Sgt. Allen Meade, quality assurance chief, native of Las Vegas, Nevada. "Our role is very important because we make sure that everyone is doing their job correctly."
Meade explained that with high turnover rate and new Marines coming in taking up new billets and qualifications, ITX is a good training experience for them. Everyone works, coordinates and cooperates together during the 30-day training exercise. The focus is to get the job done and work around the challenges; and this experience gives everyone an idea of what to expect if they are deployed.
"I like being a quality assurance representative because I have maintenance experience already," said Sgt. Andrew Fisher, native of Oceanside, California. "Being able to help someone do their job correctly and safely is a big deal because I already have the expertise to do it right."
QARs can make difficult decisions to postpone or stop sortie missions at anytime base on the quality of maintenance, if the repairs to the aircraft and components are not within guidelines the aircraft will not be certified for flight. It's important that QA provide Marines the most up to date manuals and guidance so they have the information on how to make effective repairs.
"I'm happy to have a seasoned senior team during this exercise," said Meade. "Having subject matter experts is a benefit because they have the background and qualifications already to accomplish QA and maintenance tasking. This is an opportunity to provide on the job training for the junior Marines as well."
Quality and safety go hand-in-hand. It is not possible to have a safe aircraft without some sort of quality assurance program. A good QA program is important to Marines because it creates a workplace where they can develop their skills and learn more about their maintenance process. It creates mutual respect and the confidence that the aircraft and crew is safe to provide support and a mission success.
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.17.2016 01:42 |
| Story ID: | 189004 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, US |
| Hometown: | OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 140 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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