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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marines are expected to complete missions in any circumstance. From Aug. 21 to 25, 2025, two U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, exemplified this expectation when a KC-130J Super Hercules became unserviceable. Their decisive actions to maintain the aircraft averted potential damage, ensured personnel safety, and saved the squadron significant maintenance hours. For their efforts in fixing and recovering the impaired aircraft, they were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on Oct. 1, 2025.
While conducting a routine jacking evolution, the right wing of a KC-130J assigned to VMGR-352 seized, leaving the aircraft suspended and out of service. Faced with an unexpected issue and no established procedures for recovery, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dylan Williams, the maintenance material control officer, and Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Stanley, a fixed-wing airframes quality assurance representative, immediately teamed up with fleet support engineers to find a solution. Together, they assessed the situation and devised a plan to safely and efficiently recover the aircraft.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Stanley quickly adapted prior procedures to fit the unique circumstances. He realized that custom axle jack stanchions were necessary to safely remove the seized jack and stabilize the aircraft. Using maple wood and aluminum plating, Stanley meticulously fabricated these stanchions, ensuring they were robust enough to handle the weight of the aircraft while allowing for the safe removal of the malfunctioning jack. His quick thinking and resourcefulness in this critical moment were instrumental in securing the aircraft and maintaining operational readiness.
Williams, taking charge of the logistical side of the operation, acted with unwavering focus and urgency to procure the materials needed for the custom stanchions. Understanding the importance of time, he coordinated the procurement, approval, and repair process within a tight five-day window. His ability to efficiently manage the process ensured that all necessary components were acquired and ready for use, allowing the aircraft to be returned to mission readiness as quickly as possible.
As the world increases in technological advancements, Marines of 3rd MAW continually adapt and overcome challenges. These Marines embodied the ‘no fail mission’ mentality through their technical expertise and creative solutions to complete the mission and fix the day.
| Date Taken: | 10.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 19:06 |
| Story ID: | 550679 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, VMGR-352 Marines receive Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, by Sgt Emeline Schirmer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
