BZ'S

While underway aboard the USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG-79) for Joint Task Forces Exercise off the Virginia coast, AM3 Justin Seiger was conducting a night time Daily and Turnaround inspection on Magnum 443, the aircraft scheduled for a Detachment fly-off the next morning. Petty Officer Seiger’s unrivaled reputation for thorough maintenance practices was realized when he noticed a delaminated viscous damper from the tail drive disconnect shaft. Upon further investigation he discovered the bearings were completely exposed, a condition that may well have left the aircraft susceptible to a loss of tail rotor drive during an extended flight over water. AM3 Seiger’s keen attention to detail and dedication to safe and thorough maintenance prevented the potential loss of aircraft and crew.