Fix, Fly, Fight Back in October of 2020
By AM2 (AW/SW) Maka Marote, USN
T
here 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 Sailors aboard USS Antietam (CG 54) inspect and prepare to MH-60R aircraft was the priority of the day. The refuel a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to HSM 77 “Saber main rotor head hydraulic accumulator fluid level hawks." Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toni was low, and the aircraft needed to make the flight Burton, USN. schedule. The backdrop of the extended deployment The incident during that deployment, with its unexpected added an extra layer of intensity to our tasks, sharpening our awareness of the critical nature of our work. We knew that challenges and prolonged duration, served as a crucible for completing the task was important, and completing it in a personal and professional growth. As I continue to progress in my Naval Aviation career, the lessons learned from that timely manner was equally as important. day serve as a constant reminder of the critical importance of As my worker and I completed the maintenance task, we meticulous attention to detail in the face of the challenges that gathered our tools for the routine All Tools Accounted For we may endure out to sea. (ATAF) Check. In the process, we realized the toolbox had Having persevered through the trials of that deployment been disassembled for interior component replacement, turning a practiced routine into an altered version of our usual and the subsequent repercussions of the oversight, I have workflow. The lack of a solid box to ensure all tools were grown as a maintainer and as a CDI/CDQAR. The incident in their respective spots led to a fateful mistake: a small tool emphasized the gravity of my responsibilities and the potential known as the "goose neck" had slipped through the cracks consequences of negligence in our line of work. Now, at my third helicopter command getting ready to embark on my during the final ATAF process. fourth deployment, I share my story with junior maintainers. It was only later, during the reassembly of the toolbox, I use it to instill in them the seriousness of our responsibilities, that the goose neck tool was discovered missing. My stomach preaching proper tool control and emphasizing the significance dropped as the gravity of the oversight hit me with full force. of adhering to procedures. My hope is that my experience The only other place it could be was connected to the hydraulic can serve as a poignant reminder to new maintainers of the potential risks and the importance of avoiding complacency gauge of the main rotor accumulator of the helicopter. in our vital roles. And that helicopter was currently flying. At that moment, In conclusion, the incident aboard the Antietam during the weight of the responsibility as a Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) and Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative our extended deployment remains etched in my memory as a pivotal moment in my Naval Aviation career. The challenges (CDQAR) became acutely apparent. faced, both during this particular maintenance task and on the On top of being on an extended deployment and the deployment as a whole, provided an opportunity for personal challenges faced by the entire detachment, the realization of and professional growth. As I navigate through subsequent the missing tool stirred a mix of emotions within me. The deployments and continue to progress in my career, the lessons incident became a symbol of the high stakes we face daily, where learned from that day remain a guiding force, propelling even the smallest miss-step can have severe consequences. The me toward ensuring the highest standards of safety and fear of potential injury or loss of life for fellow crew members professionalism within the Naval Aviation community. and the realization of my accountability would leave a lasting impact. Rotor Review #163 Winter '24
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