Maintainers in the Trenches

Sailors assist in moving a T-45C Goshawk assigned to Carrier Training Wing (CTW) 2 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anderson W. Branch)

Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Justin Mowery, crew chief for the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, prepares to launch the jets during a practice demonstration at Naval Air Facility El Centro, (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel M. Young) Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Samuel Sharp alerts the aircrew that an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter of Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 37 is leveled and ready to have the oil level checked aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS CHUNG HOON (DDG 93). (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marcus L. Stanley)

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Jaclyn Swanson, right, and Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Dustin Boudreau inspect ordnance on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class J. M. Tolbert) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Ryan Pennell ensures an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Pukin’ Dogs” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, is ready to launch from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan T. Miller)

Gas Turbine Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Moses Ofori inspects a fuel sample aboard guided-missile cruiser USS ANZIO (CG 68). (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Richardson) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer let down flight deck safety nets prior to flight operations aboard USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG 93). (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marcus L. Stanley)

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Emmanuel Bonsu, from Accra, Ghana, directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 on USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) flight deck. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago)