Aircrew survival equipmentmen (PRs) aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) supply, repair, maintain and ensure the readiness of aircraft systems, keeping pilots and the air crews safe.

In the past, PRs maintained parachutes with a sewing machine, but their current contributions are much more extensive.

"Typically, we are responsible for the upkeep of all things that would save the lives of our pilots," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Nelson Jones, from Edgefield, South Carolina. "We are perfectionists. We have the lives of a large number of pilots in our hands, and we take our jobs very seriously."

The phrase "attention to detail" is the philosophy for George Washington's PRs. A series of rigorous quality-assurance checks and inspections are performed regularly to ensure equipment is in optimal condition. These checks range from torque checks on flotation devices, to inspecting the repairs of a flight suit.

"The most rewarding part about the job is seeing pilots come back from a flight unharmed and unaffected, which compliments us on the maintenance we did on their gear," said Jones. "Knowing that everyday I am doing work that is saving lives gives me a good feeling."

Survival vests, G-suits, anti-exposure suits, harnesses and helmets are among the equipment maintained by the technicians.

"PRs are essential to mission readiness because of the nature of what we do," said Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Hector Perez, George Washington's paraloft division chief. "We inspect and repair Aviation Life Support Systems (ALSS). ALSS consists of any equipment that is intended for the survivability of Navy and Marine Corps aircrew and passengers. Jet aircraft depend on our oxygen regulators and on-board oxygen generating systems to breathe in high altitudes. Helicopters depend on our life rafts, search and rescue gear, and emergency egress bottles for the rescue of personnel. Special operations depend on our parachutes and rafts for their various missions."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year, after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil .