June 17, 2011
Plane Captain Pride, Ownership Keep Bataan Birds Operational, Safe
By Mass Communications Specialist3rdClass James Turner
USS BATAAN, Mediterranean Sea – Although NAVY is painted squarely on the body of every MH-60S operating aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and naval aviators with years of training are perched in the cockpits for every flight, when the birds are on deck, they belong to the plane captain—some of ship’s most junior Sailors.
Plane captains spend 12 to 15 hours a day with their assigned aircraft tracking and performing towing, cleaning and daily maintenance operations on the “helo.” Prior to handing the aircraft over to the pilot, the plane captain acts as the final set of eyes that ensures the bird is safe and ready for flight.
“It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but I never let my guard down because one problem overlooked could be a catastrophe,” said Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Daymion Bonner, a plane captain with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28.
A comprehensive, Navy-wide plane-captain-qualification program is in place to help keep squadron flight operations safe and efficient. Sailors are nominated for the position based on factors that include aptitude, personal integrity and motivation. From there they complete a personnel qualification standard (PQS) and extensive on-the-job training followed by a written and practical examination.
The responsibility can be enormous. The aircraft, pilot and mission can rest squarely on their shoulders. The plane captains say they wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I receive satisfaction knowing that we are able to put the pilot’s mind at ease before they fly,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class(AW) Chinyere Egbunine, a plane captain with HSC-28.“We get the good feeling of accomplishment every time a bird is launched and recovered safely.”
Plane captains are required to be in constant communication with their pilotsin order to maintain the aircraft for mission readiness.
“Being able to talk directly with the pilot allows us a chance to discuss problems with the aircraft,” saidEgbunine. “It also gives me the chance to notify the pilot what is being done to fix the problem.”
The skill sets they bring to the table are critical to ground safety and safety of flight.
“The skills the plane captains have are what keep us safe when we fly,” said Lt. Aaron Willmarth, aNaval Aviator for HSC 28. “How well they do their job directly affectshow well we fly and how well we perform during the mission.”
Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation effort in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
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