Mon, Mar 31, 2003
HHM-463 Living On The Edge
For crewmembers and mechanics of Marine Heavy Helicopter
Squadron 463, the penalty of not performing their job to the best
of their ability could result in putting the lives of others at
risk. With this also comes the pride of being a big part in the
machine that runs the CH-53Ds of HMH-463. Whether in the rear or on
their deployment to Philippine Interoperability Exchange 2003,
these Marines who turn the wrenches are vital to mission
accomplishment.
"On the way over to the Philippines we had a blade on one of the
CH-53Ds get kind of torn up, which happens over a period of wear
and tear. So that was one of our first maintenance repairs on this
deployment," said Sgt. Lee Cotterell, HMH-463 mechanic.
Rotor Blades: Heavy
Although not one of the most time-consuming tasks
involved in their deployment, the blade on a CH-53D weighs in
excess of 300 lbs., taking about four to five Marines to complete
the job.
Lance Cpl. Mike Franklin, HMH-463 mechanic said safety is always
the number one concern of those involved with any repairs. "Even
some of the simplest jobs pose risks. I've seen guys who were
changing a blade and not paying attention get seriously hurt, so
safety is always on our minds."
For Franklin, deployments give him the opportunity to not only
see his job training put to work, but also see his squadron as a
whole perform their primary mission. "Our job is to support Marine
infantrymen and back at the Station we don't have the chance to do
that so being here just makes our jobs a little more
fulfilling."
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