Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan -- The Seat Shop Marines of VMFA-212 maintain, inspect and repair one system on the F/A-18 Hornet that hopefully never has to be used -- the ejection seat.
Seven Marines divided into a day and night crew ensure ejection seats work properly, according to Cpl. Bridget Hadden, VMFA-212 seat mechanic.
"On a daily basis, we have to inspect the seats and make sure the jet has liquid oxygen for the pilots to breath," Hadden said.
When a pilot goes to his aircraft, Seat Shop Marines assist him with any problems he may have with the oxygen mask or seat. The entire seat is removed every 448 days regardless of whether it malfunctioned or not.
To pull the entire seat out requires a team of three seat mechanics - a safety observer, tool man and a maintenance worker.
"The seat is disassembled and each part is inspected. Any corrosion on the metal is removed, and all the parts are repainted. The explosive charges used to propel the seat are inspected and replaced as needed," Hadden said.
According to Hadden, ejection seats use a series of explosive charges
rather than one uncontrolled blast through the top of the aircraft.
"When the pilot pulls the ejection handle, two rocket motors blow the canopy off the aircraft. Straps holding the pilot tighten and secure him to the seat. Then charges go off, pushing the pilot out and away from the aircraft," Hadden said. "The series of functions react like a domino effect."
Of all the systems on the aircraft, the ejection seat is used least but most important to a pilot if something goes wrong.
In January 1999, the work of the Marines was tested when Capt. Kevin Paetzold, VMFA-212 pilot ejected.
"Their job is one of those where the work can't really be tested," said Paetzold. "Everything worked as advertised. I had no doubt that I was going to get out of the jet safely," said Paetzold. "I think they do an outstanding job."
"Should a pilot's aircraft fail for whatever reason, it's our job to ensure
necessary seat maintenance is done so lives can be saved," Hadden said.