Stoystown, Pennsylvania Native Serves Aboard USS Jackson

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Langholf | 211104-N-FA490-1018 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 4, 2021) Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Rachel Powell, from Stoystown, Penn., assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat 23 (HSC 23), poses for a portrait on the flight deck of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson during routine operations. HSC 23 and Jackson, both part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf/released)  

SOUTH CHINA SEA

11.04.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Langholf 

Command Destroyer Squadron 7

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 4, 2021) – A Stoystown, Pennsylvania native and 2018 West Virginia University graduate serves in the U.S. Navy aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship, USS Jackson (LCS 6), as part of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 detachment five.

As an Aviation Structural Mechanic, Rachel Powell is responsible for the maintenance and operation of aircraft structures, hydraulic, landing gear and flight control systems. Regular maintenance and upkeep ensures mission-ready status of all aircraft.

“Maintaining our flight control systems is one of the most important parts of my job,” said Powell. “It’s what keeps the air crew and pilots safe and in the air.”

Aviation Structural Mechanics maintain aircraft readiness through constant upkeep, to include scheduled and unscheduled inspections. A large portion of these inspections involves corrosion control and prevention.

“The best way to prevent corrosion is with paint,” said Powell. “As an artist, painting is one of my favorite parts of the job. In my line of work, painting is one of the most relaxing, yet productive tasks I perform.”

“Prior to joining the military, I would never have expected to enjoy aircraft maintenance as much as I do,” said Powell. “I’m glad the Navy has given me a chance to expand my future career interests and options, and I look forward to what the future holds for me in naval aviation.”

Attached to DESRON 7, Jackson is on a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the region, and to work alongside allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

As the U.S. Navy’s destroyer squadron forward-deployed in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as ESG 7’s Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements.

For more information on Jackson, visit https://www.facebook.com/DESRON7.

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• Date Taken: 11.04.2021
• Date Posted: 11.17.2021 03:57
• Story ID: 408747
• Location: SOUTH CHINA SEA
• Hometown: STOYSTOWN, PA, US