Powerline Marines

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  More than 170 Marines and eight AV-8B Harriers participated RED FLAG-Alaska 10-2, working in a new climate, where the average temperature is 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile in Yuma, temperatures are in the 90s.

The Marines focused on close-air-support, practicing aerial refueling and dropping ordnance during the exercise. Typically, RED FLAG-Alaska conducts two combat missions each day and the powerline mechanics, very similar to the Air Force crew chiefs, ensure that each AV-8B Harrier is ready to go before and after each flight.

"Our primary responsibility during this exercise or any evolution is to maintain the air worthiness of the aircraft, primarily the power plant, engine and fuel systems, in addition to performing line procedures similar to what the aircrew do. We prepare the aircraft for the pilots, service them, preflight and launch them out," said Marine Corps Sgt. Dustin Hawkings, assigned to VMA-211 Avengers from Yuma Marine Corps Station, Ariz.

To make these vital assessments on the status of the jets, Marine Corps Corporal Justin Reyes, a plane captain for VMA-211 and the rest of the powerline mechanics perform detailed inspections on the planes daily, as well as before and after each flight.

"The main difference is that it's colder and there isn't any sand. There are different things we have to get used to -like when the jets freeze over," said Corpal Reyes. "Our first launch here the ladder was frozen in place on the plane and the chalks were frozen to the ground."

"That's something that being stationed in the south we're not used to. However, it's warmed up a bit here and actually it's a lot nicer than it is back in Arizona- weather wise," added Sergeant Hawkings.

RF-A allows the powerline mechanics a chance to train like they're in a deployed location, working with other services to improve the operational capability of participating units and fostering stronger relations between U.S. and coalition forces.

"In Yuma, it's primarily centered around the AV-8B Harriers, here it's a little more complicated. We have to work with other branches. We have to work with other departments we don't normally do. There's a lot of extra coordination involved but that's the primary purpose of this exercise it's to develop that multi-branch cooperation so that when we go to theatre likes Afghanistan, we're much more efficient," said Sergeant Hawkings.

While training is the most important aspect, it's hard for the Marines not to appreciate a change in scenery.

"I get to work alongside a lot of great people and I get to travel a lot and see great places. This base in particular is very nice. I'm stationed in the desert right now so it's a rarity to be around grass let alone snow and other services," said Sergeant Hawkings. "I've never been to Alaska before and this gives me a rare opportunity to work closely with the Air Force."