Marine Attack Squadron 513 airframe mechanics clean one of the squadron’s AV-8B Harriers at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, June 3. Keeping Harriers free of Afghanistan’s fine sand, often called “moon dust” by Marines, helps ensure the multimillion dollar jets are ready on a moment’s notice. “We haven’t been seeing anything yet,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Palacios, the VMA-513 airframe division chief and San Bernadino, Calif., native. “Being this weather is similar to Yuma, I don’t think things will get too crazy.”

Photo by Pfc. Sean Dennison

Bird Bath: Marine mechanics keep Harriers dust-free in Afghanistan

3 Jun 2011 | Pfc. Sean Dennison

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Marine Attack Squadron 513 airframe mechanics clean one of the squadron’s AV-8B Harriers at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, June 3. Keeping Harriers free of Afghanistan’s fine sand, often called “moon dust” by Marines, helps ensure the multimillion dollar jets are ready on a moment’s notice. “We haven’t been seeing anything yet,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Palacios, the VMA-513 airframe division chief and San Bernadino, Calif., native. “Being this weather is similar to Yuma, I don’t think things will get too crazy.”