HHM-463 Living On The Edge

For crewmembers and mechanics of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, the penalty of not performing their job to the best of their ability could result in putting the lives of others at risk. With this also comes the pride of being a big part in the machine that runs the CH-53Ds of HMH-463. Whether in the rear or on their deployment to Philippine Interoperability Exchange 2003, these Marines who turn the wrenches are vital to mission accomplishment.

"On the way over to the Philippines we had a blade on one of the CH-53Ds get kind of torn up, which happens over a period of wear and tear. So that was one of our first maintenance repairs on this deployment," said Sgt. Lee Cotterell, HMH-463 mechanic.

Rotor Blades: Heavy

Although not one of the most time-consuming tasks involved in their deployment, the blade on a CH-53D weighs in excess of 300 lbs., taking about four to five Marines to complete the job.

Lance Cpl. Mike Franklin, HMH-463 mechanic said safety is always the number one concern of those involved with any repairs. "Even some of the simplest jobs pose risks. I've seen guys who were changing a blade and not paying attention get seriously hurt, so safety is always on our minds."

For Franklin, deployments give him the opportunity to not only see his job training put to work, but also see his squadron as a whole perform their primary mission. "Our job is to support Marine infantrymen and back at the Station we don't have the chance to do that so being here just makes our jobs a little more fulfilling."

FMI: Marine Aviation