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No rest for weary 'Condors'

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 20034221577
Story by Cpl. Theresa E. Seng

JALIBAH, Iraq(April 6, 2003) -- There is no rest for the weary aboard here while the mechanics for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 serving as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom keep their CH-53E Super Stallions flying.

With a higher operational tempo than it is back in the United States, the mechanics work in 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, in 100-degree temperatures.

The more hours aircraft fly the quicker the inspection intervals come up, said Sgt. Jeremy C. Romash, Super Stallion mechanic with HMH-464 "Condors." The mechanics are constantly checking all the parts to make sure there are no problems.

The mechanics are frequently inspecting engines, rotor blades and gearboxes, and one of the biggest challenges here in the desert is keeping the compressor sections of the engines working well, said 1st Lt. Andrew T. Paynter, maintenance material control officer for the "Condors." .

"It's a suck, squeeze, bang, blow theory with the engines," said Romash.

The compressor pulls air into the engine. This fuel/air mixture combusts and gives the helicopter the power to lift heavy equipment. Sand is also drawn into the engine, abrasion to engine parts becomes a concern. Components worn by sand affect the airflow causing less power.

"Without full power, transporting large pieces of equipment, such as all the tents we're living in, either wouldn't happen or take much longer than necessary," said Paynter.

HMH-464 Marines have replaced seven of the 39 engines they have, which is one more testament to the outstanding maintenance completed on a consistent basis.

"Because of our mechanics, [HMH-]464 had been able to fly about 50 percent of the missions out here," said Paynter "Out here the aircraft flies on average 24hours a day. In the rear they only flew about 10. Our guys are constantly working."

Working long days in the harsh conditions of the desert is tough, having the correct parts is even tougher.

"[Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-29] could only bring so many parts for all the aircraft they support. Sometimes we have to cannibalize parts just to keep the aircraft mission ready," said Paynter. "This triples our work load. Once we get the part we ordered we have to remove the borrowed part, put it back in the aircraft we took it from and put the new part in the other aircraft."

Being able to support the forward units, such as infantry and artillery, with food, water, ammunition, parts and fuel is the main objective of the Super Stallion squadrons. The mechanics of HMH-464 work day and night so the helicopters are able to carry heavy loads, giving the best support they can.

"We are helping our guys stay in the fight," said Paynter. "That's the most important thing."