Stoystown, Pennsylvania Native Serves Aboard USS Jackson

by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Langholf

04 November 2021 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 4, 2021) – A Stoystown, Pennsylvania native and 2018 West Virginia University graduate serves in the U.S. Navy aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship, USS Jackson (LCS 6), as part of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 detachment five.

As an Aviation Structural Mechanic, Rachel Powell is responsible for the maintenance and operation of aircraft structures, hydraulic, landing gear and flight control systems. Regular maintenance and upkeep ensures mission-ready status of all aircraft.

“Maintaining our flight control systems is one of the most important parts of my job,” said Powell. “It’s what keeps the air crew and pilots safe and in the air.”

Aviation Structural Mechanics maintain aircraft readiness through constant upkeep, to include scheduled and unscheduled inspections. A large portion of these inspections involves corrosion control and prevention.

“The best way to prevent corrosion is with paint,” said Powell. “As an artist, painting is one of my favorite parts of the job. In my line of work, painting is one of the most relaxing, yet productive tasks I perform.”

“Prior to joining the military, I would never have expected to enjoy aircraft maintenance as much as I do,” said Powell. “I’m glad the Navy has given me a chance to expand my future career interests and options, and I look forward to what the future holds for me in naval aviation.”

Attached to DESRON 7, Jackson is on a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the region, and to work alongside allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

As the U.S. Navy’s destroyer squadron forward-deployed in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as ESG 7’s Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements.

For more information on Jackson, visit https://www.facebook.com/DESRON7.

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