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Nearly 100 Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 13, MCAS Yuma, Ariz., integrated with Sailors from the aircraft intermediate maintenance department (AIMD) aboard Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) to form the team that maintains and repairs embarked aircraft aboard the amphibious assault ship. For the ship's transit to the North Arabian Sea, Bonhomme Richard embarked 19 AV-8B Harrier IIs from VMAs 211 and 311. To keep the aircraft flying, the AJMD houses a host of repair shops that can fix anything from aircraft computers to the AV-8B's Rolls Royce F402-RR-408 engines. The increase in maintenance experience helps Bonhomme Richard's AIMD prepare better for future operational support. For more information, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd6.

The Marines of MALS-29 hoisted a vintage UH-34 Seahorse back onto its pedestal at the front gate of MCAS New River, N.C. The event marked the culmination of restoration efforts to bring new life to a familiar local landmark.

Work on the historic aircraft posed some special challenges. The restoration team found severe corrosion, seized bearings and dry-rotted tires, and the Marines had to look outside normal channels for replacement parts and technical specifications. The Marine Museum at Quantico, Va., and the "Flying Tigers," a Marine veterans group who flew the aircraft in Vietnam, provided valuable assistance in locating part manufacturers and technical manuals. The restoration involved replacing the tires and bearings, corrosion treatment, painting and marking the aircraft. The UH-34 restoration provided an opportunity to showcase capabilities typically found in a Marine aviation logistics squadron, such as structural repair, corrosion treatment and tire/wheel maintenance, ground support equipment and dynamic component repair. Once repairs were completed, the aircraft was towed to the front gate and lifted back into place. The project gave MALS-29 Marines the opportunity to honor their predecessors and preserve a piece of Ma rine aviation history.

The Naval Personnel Development Command (NPDC) officially stood up during a ceremony at NS Norfolk, Va., on 10 January. NPDC's goal is to create a more agile, responsive warfighting organization. RAdm. J. Kevin Moran will command the new organization, as well as continue as head of the Task Force for Excellence through Commitment to Education and Learning. The Revolution in Training has brought about a major reorganization of Navy education and training, including the establishment of the NPDC and 13 learning centers that standardize the training development and delivery process for all Sailors. Reporting to the Chief of Naval Education and Training, NPDC will provide support and ensure standardization of training technologies and methodologies at the learning centers, while working closely with the Fleet Forces Command and the lead type commands to meet the fleet's training needs. Under the new organizational structure, schools offering training in career specialties, such as aviation or subsurface, will rep ort to and coordinate training initiatives with their respective learning center.

The Naval Air Maintenance Training Group Milton Detachment Aviation Maintenance Officer (AMO) School officially opened at NAS Whiting Field, Fla., on 6 February. The school was relocated in December 2002 from Naval Aviation Schools Command, NAS Pensacola, Fla. It is staffed by five Navy and two Marine Corps officer instructors, five Navy and one Marine Corps enlisted instructor and one enlisted technical publications librarian. The AMO School offers two courses of instruction. The 70day indoctrination course is designed for newly commissioned Navy and Marine Corps officers with little or no prior maintenance experience, selected Naval Air Systems Command-sponsored civilian interns and international military officers. During the year, five indoctrination classes provide students with the tools required to perform in an entry-level aircraft maintenance position. Students will also be taught managerial responsibilities and administrative duties associated with aviation maintenance.

The 25-day manager's course is geared toward Navy and Marine Corps limited duty officers, chief warrant officers, aviation maintenance duty officers and senior enlisted maintenance specialists who have acquired considerable maintenance experience. This course provides instruction on the duties and responsibilities required to direct an aviation maintenance activity. For related news, see www.news.navy.mil/local/naswf.