Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline

Gabriela Celona

Department of Defense USMC
Jacksonville
1
Certification
8
years of professional experience

A mechanic with over 4 years experience on the Ch-53E in the USMC, specializing in flight controls, engines, drives, and rotor systems, also assisting with vibration analysis and diagnostics. As a supervisor, responsible for 8-16 Heavy Lift Cargo Helicopters, over $400 Million dollars worth of equipment, and managing anywhere from 20-50 marines. Possessing the proven ability to enhance operational readiness and safety through advanced troubleshooting and inspections. My coworkers would describe me as a reliable, passionate, and detail-oriented professional.

Work History

CH-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Mechanic

4 Years 10 Months
Department of Defense USMC | 09.2021 - Current
  • As a Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative, conducted routine inspections and maintenance on CH-53 heavy lift helicopters to ensure operational readiness.
  • Diagnosed mechanical issues in a timely manner using advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools, enhancing aircraft performance reliability.
  • Collaborated with team members to execute repair tasks efficiently, improving workflow and task completion times.
  • Trained junior mechanics on safety protocols, tools usage, and maintenance procedures to foster skill development.
  • Oversaw complex repairs in high-pressure environments, maintaining adherence to military standards and regulations.
  • Supported mission success by quickly responding to emergency repair requests, minimizing aircraft downtime during critical situations.
  • Removed and installed aircraft subsystem assemblies such as engines, rotors, gearboxes, transmissions, and mechanical flight controls.

Grill Cook

1 Year 1 Month
Chipotle | 08.2020 - 09.2021
  • Managed grill operations to ensure food quality and safety standards.
  • Trained new staff on cooking techniques and kitchen safety protocols.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain efficient kitchen workflow during peak hours.
  • Developed and implemented strategies for reducing food waste during meal preparation.

Prep Line Cook

5 Months
Chick-fil-A | 07.2018 - 12.2018
  • Prepared ingredients for cooking, ensuring freshness and quality standards.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of prep stations to enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Collaborated with kitchen team to streamline food preparation processes.
  • Monitored inventory levels, reporting shortages to support timely restocking.

Education

Associate of Science - Mathematics

Northern Virginia Community College | Sterling, VA | 05-2021
  • 3.704 GPA
  • magna cum laude graduate

Skills

Helicopter maintenance
Attention to detail
Problem-solving abilities
Reliability
Adaptability and flexibility
Detail-oriented
Self motivation
Fuel system management
Safety procedures
Ground support equipment
Flight control systems
Troubleshooting expertise

Accomplishments

  • Successfully lead a shop of 37 Marines under my care
  • Managed and Supervised the maintenance and material condition of 11 CH-53Es
  • Successfully lifted aircraft components, containers, and equipment as a Terex operator for two years without incident
  • Lead Flightline for the 22nd MEU CH-53E detachment as the only mechanic Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative in the Flightline Division from Jan 2025 - May 2026
  • Trained countless Marines as a systems expert on flight controls, rotor systems, fuel systems, engines, gearboxes/drives, and Functional Check Flight procedures and requirements.

Certification

  • USMAP Airframe and Powerplant Apprenticeship

Timeline

CH-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Mechanic

Department of Defense USMC
09.2021 - CurrentRead More

Grill Cook

Chipotle
08.2020 - 09.2021Read More

Prep Line Cook

Chick-fil-A
07.2018 - 12.2018Read More

Northern Virginia Community College

Associate of Science from Mathematics
Read More
Gabriela Celona