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Jet Shop Fires Up Engines for Air Wing

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080307-12
Release Date: 3/7/2008 11:40:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeff Johnstone, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- The mission of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) is to use its aircraft to project power anywhere in the world. Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department's jet shop plays a major role in that mission, supporting TR's air wing.

The primary mission of the jet shop's mechanics is to identify and repair problems in jet engines, keeping the air wing in the air and in the fight.

"Our objective is to provide the air wing with top quality, ready-to-issue jet engines," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class (AW) Marlon Singh, jet shop leading petty officer.

The jet shop conducts repairs on five types of engines and auxiliary powered units.

Singh noted when a problem with an engine is detected by the squadron's mechanics, and it is determined that it cannot be handled at their level, the engine is sent to the jet shop.

"Our mechanics screen the engine, look for any defects and conduct a major engine inspection," said Singh. "After determining the problem, or any further issues that weren't caught earlier, we perform a major engine repair."

In order to perform an engine repair, mechanics rely on a pool of replacement engine parts that are readily available to them. After tearing down the engine, mechanics pull the parts they need from the pool in order to properly rebuild the engine. Once the engine is rebuilt, it's time to test it.

"We take the engine to the fantail and perform a full power test, with afterburner," said Singh. "We fire up the engine using the Jet Engine Test Instrumentation system and evaluate the engine's performance using a battery of in-depth tests."

Lt. Tim Kelly, IM2 division officer, explained the mission of the jet shop is a dangerous one, and safety is always paramount during engine testing. Fires, the engine coming loose and the possibility of personnel being blown overboard, are always potential hazards.

"Personnel are warned to stay away from the fantail in the event the jet shop is testing engines," said Kelly. "Engines are never tested during flight operations, and are only tested with the approval of the officer of the deck."

Kelly said all mechanics wear the proper safety equipment while performing an engine test on the fantail. Float coats, safety goggles and hearing protection are always required.

"Safety is always important in any major evolution onboard TR," said Kelly.

Singh explained that after testing on the fantail, the engine is returned to the shop for a post-test inspection. These inspections are designed to detect any abnormal conditions that may have occurred during the initial engine test.

"Once these inspections are complete, engines are thoroughly cleaned," said Singh. "The engines are wiped down with preservative oil and the engine is placed in preservation status, meaning it becomes a ready-to-issue asset to the air wing."

Singh noted the shop repairs an average of 60 engines during an average work-up cycle. Without them, the mission fails.

"Without ready-to-issue jet engines," said Singh, "we can't deliver ordnance on target."

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/lha5.