• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Boxer AIMD Teams With I MAW for JASEX Success

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050812-09
Release Date: 8/13/2005 12:00:00 PM

By Photographer's Mate Airman Paul Polach, USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BOXER (NNS) -- USS Boxer’s (LHD 4) Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) teamed up with 1st Marine Air Wing (I MAW) during Joint Air and Sea Exercise (JASEX), Aug. 7-13, to support the upkeep of the wing's AV-8B Harrier IIs.

JASEX emphasized training to support unity between U.S. military services throughout the Asian-Pacific region. During the seven–day exercise, Boxer, I MAW, the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Strike Group, the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Wing and 5th Air Force conducted joint training, combining carrier and amphibious operations.

“We have been working side by side with the Marines and showing each other how we work,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Paul Lazo, of San Diego. “Every time we have worked together, it has been a really good experience. I believe all of us have learned a great deal.”

AIMD assists with maintenance and repairs, and supplies parts and tools to the Marines. They also provide nitrogen, airframes and hydraulic equipment for embarked aircraft.

“Every time we need something fixed and we don’t have the tools or knowledge to fix it, we send it to AIMD to perform more in-depth inspections,” said Marine Staff Sgt. Josh Davila, San Diego. “The AIMD team on board has shown us a level of professionalism and devotion to teamwork that is refreshing. The Navy is always there to help us out and provide us with the supplies we need to complete the mission.”

Safety is also a big concern for the Navy and Marine Corps team aboard the “Golden Gator.” For Sailors and Marines, doing the right maintenance, with the proper tools and good housekeeping, constitutes better safety.

“Working together as a team is extremely important to getting a better finished product,” said Lazo. “We are finding this to not only be a good working environment for the service members involved, but also as a great learning experience.”

With professionalism and dedication, AIMD Sailors and I MAW Marines have proven that teamwork is the key to success. Exercises like JASEX help military forces refine their ability to work together and maximize their combined resources. This allows units to increase real-world proficiency to counter future situations that may arise.