Off to the side of the hangar bay, tucked under the wing of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, is a box sprinkled with various paint equipment. This makeshift desk is where Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Harold Barnes mixes colors as part of the daily aircraft maintenance he is responsible for.

Barnes is a member of the "Bear Aces" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW-124) aboard the aircraft carrier USS George
H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Specifically, Barnes works in Corrosion Control, or as he calls it, "the first line of defense for aircraft corrosion."

"Every day, we do visual inspections on the aircraft," said Barnes. "If we find a portion that has corrosion, we'll sand down that portion to the bare metal, apply primer and paint it." Once his respirator and gloves are on, he is ready to go. Using a spoon to carefully measure out the portions, Barnes merges two different colors of paint to create the formula.

"The life expectancy of the aircraft is shortened dramatically if we don't apply the correct corrosion prevention measures," said Barnes. "These measures benefit every part of the aircraft, with the exception of the tires."

Barnes' job is incredibly important to GHWB's mission readiness. The aircraft embarked aboard the ship fly often enough that something as seemingly simple as painting is actually a crucial role to the overall success of Operation Inherent Resolve.

"This is a high-velocity flying aircraft," he said, gesturing toward the plane that shadows over him. "If this aircraft wasn't painted at all, it would probably fall apart within a month, especially in this climate and environment. It would just be eaten away."

When Barnes is done mixing the paint, he sweeps everything up and heads toward his oversized canvas across the hangar bay. He explains how he enjoys the opportunity to make his own decisions and work independently.

"It's almost like I'm running my own show," said Barnes. "When I go out there, I start playing my music and get in the zone. It's definitely therapeutic."

His face illuminates while he speaks, unveiling the amount of care and pride he puts into his work.

"I love my job, and I've already looked into doing this in the civilian world," said Barnes. "There is an instant gratification once you are done painting, especially when it comes to the large designs. When I finish my work, people can see the difference from where I started, and that's what makes it art."

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