MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Job Title: Jet engine mechanic
Unit: Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14
Age: 27
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Date Joined: Oct. 12, 2004
Sgt. Phillip J. McCleveland works as a jet engine mechanic for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14.
Working on the J-52 jet engine, which powers the EA-6B Prowler, McCleveland finds his duties both challenging and rewarding. After eight years, McCleveland personally feels the J-52 is the most difficult learn.
“I think the J-52 engine is the hardest engine to work on military wide,” said McCleveland. “I’ve been doing this for more than eight years and I still learn new things about it every day.”
According to McCleveland, the most challenging aspect of his job is also his favorite.
“I love troubleshooting the challenges that arise and figuring out what’s wrong with engines when they need to be repaired,” said McCleveland. “There are a lot of different challenges but it makes us well-rounded. It’s like playing with one big Lego.”
Making mission, leading Marines and repairing engines is all part of what McCleveland does to support the mission of MALS-14 and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
“Making sure everything goes well is part of what we do every day,” said McCleveland. “Even when we have a lot of new challenges that show up we still do it because that’s our job and we have to support the squadrons and make our mission.”