Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors and Marines completed a mid-deployment aviation material condition inspection (AMCI) while embarked aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Jan. 7.

Naval Air Forces Pacific conducted the AMCI to ensure all squadrons assigned to CVW-17 meet maintenance and safety standards while deployed. Inspectors looked for discrepancies in aircraft such as corrosion, broken parts, worn paint and over-used hardware.

"We're just another pair of eyes looking over everything and trying to find things that, for whatever reason, were overlooked during standard inspection," said Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Jim Powers, a lead inspector with Commander Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing. "We're making sure, that without a doubt, the aircraft is going to fly safely and efficiently. Our team went around with flashlights and mirrors and thoroughly inspected the aircraft from all angles making sure there are no major things we need to fix."

No problems were discovered in the inspection, with the exception of average wear and tear, said Powers.

The AMCI not only focused on the condition of the aircraft, but also the necessity of pilot and passenger safety.

"Aviation is inherently dangerous," said CVW-17 Maintenance Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Fisher. "Our Sailors put in an unbelievable amount of time to ensure our programs meet or exceed the Navy's standards. The pilots trust their lives in our work and this inspection helps give them peace of mind and is an opportunity for the maintainers to underscore their critical importance to mission success."

The nine squadrons assigned to CVW-17 participated in the inspection designed to thoroughly assess the condition of the aircraft, and the attention to detail of the aircraft maintainers.

"Our jets are flown hard and around the clock, but our maintainers are working just as hard to keep them in the air," said Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 1st Class Mark Rummel, assigned to the Cougars of Electronic Strike Squadron (VAQ) 113. "Everyone involved did awesome. We worked together and worked hard to get it knocked out really quick with minimal preparation."

CVW-17 consists of the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 22, the Mighty Shrikes of VFA 94, the Stingers of VFA 113, the Cougars of Electronic Strike Squadron (VAQ) 113, the Checkerboards of Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, the Indians of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, the Battlecats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73, the Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the Sunkings of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116.

Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, is currently underway with USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and USS Preble (DDG 88) for a routine deployment. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group deployment is an example of the U.S. Navy's routine presence in waters around the globe, displaying commitment to stability, regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/.