Back in October of 2020

By AM2 (AW/SW) Maka Marote, USN

There I was: somewhere in the grueling heat of the South China Sea, a fairly typical day out on deployment aboard USS Antietam (CG 54). Far beyond our initial expectations of a one-month underway, this deployment had morphed into a grueling 8.5-month journey due to COVID-19. The unexpected extension to our deployment took its toll not only on everyone in our detachment but also on the crew of USS Antietam, creating an atmosphere of fatigue and heightened tension. The prolonged time away from home and the uncertainties of the mission contributed to an environment where every task held heightened significance.

One particular day, towards the tail end of our deployment, routine maintenance on one of our MH-60R aircraft was the priority of the day. The main rotor head hydraulic accumulator fluid level was low, and the aircraft needed to make the flight schedule. The backdrop of the extended deployment added an extra layer of intensity to our tasks, sharpening our awareness of the critical nature of our work. We knew that completing the task was important, and completing it in a timely manner was equally as important.

As my worker and I completed the maintenance task, we gathered our tools for the routine All Tools Accounted For (ATAF) Check. In the process, we realized the toolbox had been disassembled for interior component replacement, turning a practiced routine into an altered version of our usual workflow. The lack of a solid box to ensure all tools were in their respective spots led to a fateful mistake: a small tool known as the "goose neck" had slipped through the cracks during the final ATAF process.

It was only later, during the reassembly of the toolbox, that the goose neck tool was discovered missing. My stomach dropped as the gravity of the oversight hit me with full force. The only other place it could be was connected to the hydraulic gauge of the main rotor accumulator of the helicopter.

And that helicopter was currently flying. At that moment, the weight of the responsibility as a Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) and Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative (CDQAR) became acutely apparent.

On top of being on an extended deployment and the challenges faced by the entire detachment, the realization of the missing tool stirred a mix of emotions within me. The incident became a symbol of the high stakes we face daily, where even the smallest miss-step can have severe consequences. The fear of potential injury or loss of life for fellow crew members and the realization of my accountability would leave a lasting impact.

The incident during that deployment, with its unexpected challenges and prolonged duration, served as a crucible for personal and professional growth. As I continue to progress in my Naval Aviation career, the lessons learned from that day serve as a constant reminder of the critical importance of meticulous attention to detail in the face of the challenges that we may endure out to sea.

Having persevered through the trials of that deployment and the subsequent repercussions of the oversight, I have grown as a maintainer and as a CDI/CDQAR. The incident emphasized the gravity of my responsibilities and the potential consequences of negligence in our line of work. Now, at my third helicopter command getting ready to embark on my fourth deployment, I share my story with junior maintainers. I use it to instill in them the seriousness of our responsibilities, preaching proper tool control and emphasizing the significance of adhering to procedures. My hope is that my experience can serve as a poignant reminder to new maintainers of the potential risks and the importance of avoiding complacency in our vital roles.

In conclusion, the incident aboard the Antietam during our extended deployment remains etched in my memory as a pivotal moment in my Naval Aviation career. The challenges faced, both during this particular maintenance task and on the deployment as a whole, provided an opportunity for personal and professional growth. As I navigate through subsequent deployments and continue to progress in my career, the lessons learned from that day remain a guiding force, propelling me toward ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism within the Naval Aviation community.