MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUI, Japan -- Marines not only need to ensure they are mission capable, but they also must make sure the equipment they use is serviceable and ready for action. This is especially important when dealing with aircraft.
The engines of an aircraft must be in prime working condition in order for it to complete its mission, and the service members who are a part of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 Power Plants Division, Test Cell crew are assigned to ensure all of the aircraft engines aboard the Station are ready for training and mission accomplishment.
"When a squadron has a problem with one of its engines they contact Senior Chief Robert Franklin, MALS-12 Power Plants production control chief. The engine is then trouble shot in the aircraft. If it cannot be repaired, it is then brought to the MALS-12 Power Plant Division where it is trouble shot again and if necessary it is then broken down, inspected and put back together. After it goes through their inspection they bring it to us, and we put it to the ultimate test," said Sgt. Kenneth Barnes, Test Cell engine operator and collateral duty inspector.
"There are set parameters that the aircraft must meet in order for us to pass the engine."
The engines that go to the Test Cell are checked for leaks and any loose parts by the cell crew before they start it up. They then fire up the engine, test its thrust capabilities and ensure the engine can maintain certain limits throughout various simulated flight parameters and altitudes.
"After we make sure that the engine is good to go, we can return it back to the squadron," said Barnes.
Not only can the Test Cell crew check the quality of one engine, but they can also bring an entire aircraft into the Hush House to make sure it is mission capable.
"The Hush House is a great addition to the Station, because it gives us the capability to test an engine or aircraft day or night without causing a noise disturbance," said Petty Officer 2nd class Antonio Conlu, Test Cell operator and collateral duty inspector.
The five-person shop, consisting of three Marines and two Sailors, is able to test all of the aircraft engines except for the helicopter's engines stationed here.
"The Hush House is primarily used to test Harriers, Hornets and Prowlers, but we have also tested an Air Force F-16," said Staff Sgt. Alonso Galdamez, Test Cell staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "We are also capable of transporting the T-23 testing unit in case we need to deploy with a unit."
The test cell is the last line of defense before an organizational unit receives and utilizes an engine.
"Our job is extremely important because if an aircraft has a defective engine the flight crew's lives are put in danger," said Conlu. "It is hard work with late hours, but the hours are worth while because we know that the aircraft are flying with engines that are a quality product."