Fly by: Lance Cpl. Raymond J. Taylor

Photo By Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom | Lance Cpl. Raymond J. Taylor is an ejection seat mechanic with Marine Attack Squadron 542.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

12.08.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Lance Cpl. Raymond J. Taylor goes to work every day with an inspiration in his heart and a drive to learn more in his head.

"It is my job to put together the ejection seats that are fitted into an AV-8B Harrier," said Taylor. "I come in to work and know that a pilot's life is in my hands every time I pick-up a tool to fix a seat."

Taylor has to spend his days installing a parachute into these seats as well as do maintenance on other components of the seat to include safety levers and the ejection trigger as well.

"The number one thing we have to do is worry about safety," said Taylor. "

Taylor said he has one chance to fix a problem with a seat.

"In my job I have one shot at getting a problem fixed," said Taylor. "If I do not fix that problem and a pilot needs to use the ejection seat their life is over. A life of a Marine is over. I feel a lot of pressure but even more pride in my job."

Taylor said he feels this job has filled a hole in his life.

"I wake up in the morning excited to go to work," said Taylor. "This job has given me a sense of purpose and I know what I do is important and matters."

• Date Taken: 12.08.2011
• Date Posted: 12.09.2011 16:23
• Story ID: 81149
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US