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Marines Integrate With Bonhomme Richard's AIMD

By Chief Journalist Jon E. McMillan, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

Story Number: NNS030204-06
Release Date: 2/4/2003 9:00:00 PM

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Nearly 100 Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron Thirteen (MALS 13) have integrated with Sailors from the aircraft intermediate maintenance department (AIMD) aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

Together, the Sailors and Marines form the team that maintains and repairs the embarked aircraft aboard the amphibious assault ship. The team is nothing new for the amphibious Navy - it happens every time a Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) embarks a big deck amphib. What's different this deployment is Bonhomme Richard didn't deploy with a MEU, nor did it deploy with its normal mix of helicopters and Harrier strike aircraft.

"We're dealing specifically with the Harriers," said Master Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate (AW/SW) Chuck Morgan, leading chief petty officer for AIMD. For the ship's transit to the North Arabian Sea, Bonhomme Richard has embarked 19 AV-8B Harrier strike aircraft from Marine Attack Squadrons 211 and 311.

"In some ways it has been easier (for AIMD), because now I only have one aircraft to plan for," said Morgan. "The maintenance is probably going to be more intensive this deployment though - we're expecting a lot heavier flight schedule."

To keep the Harriers flying, AIMD houses a host of repair shops that can fix anything from aircraft computers to the Rolls Royce F402-RR-408 engines aboard the AV-8Bs.

The MALS-13 Marines are based out of Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., and bring a wealth of Harrier maintenance experience to Bonhomme Richard.

"We've also brought more people to supplement the Navy," said Master Sgt. Kenneth Grzyb, quality assurance officer for AIMD.

The Marines embarked about 30 extra aircraft maintenance professionals - most of them senior non-commissioned officers. "They know their equipment. They know the Harrier," said Morgan. "Now I have senior leadership out there in the work centers and I think things are working out a lot better now."

The increase in experience is also helping Bonhomme Richard's AIMD prepare better for future operational support. "Our main focus is to repair parts, do it quickly and do it right the first time to keep the jets working for the squadrons," said Morgan. "I think with the increase in experience, we'll be able to get things out a lot quicker and the end product will be better."

Said Grzyb, "Between working with the Navy and with who we brought, we'll be fine. We're here to work. To fix parts so the Harriers can fly."