Maintainers in the Trenches

ABH2 Sabrina Bell gives the signal for takeoff as an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter lifts off from USNS Mercy’s (T-AH-19) flight deck during flight quarters. Navy photo by MC3 (SW/AW) Joshua Valcarel

AM3 Douglas Pistone tightens fasteners on an FA-18 strike fighter aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Navy photo by MC3 Jonathan Snyder

AD3 Anthony Blackner, left, and AD3 Ryan Fingall connect an air hose to the engine of an FA-18C strike fighter before conducting a systems test aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Navy photo by MC3 Bryan Ilyankoff

LCpl. Abraham Cortes, left, assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 11, and ADAN Jimmy Perez check electrical connectors and inspect engine leaks on the engine of an FA-18C aircraft aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Navy photo by MC3 Bryan Ilyankoff