Lance Cpl. Daniel Hernandez, a cryogenics technician

Lance Cpl. Daniel Hernandez, a cryogenics technician with Marine Air Logistics Squadron 14, fills a 50-gallon container of liquid oxygen for one of the units aboard the air station at the MALS-14 cryogenics facility, Jan. 23. “Without us transferring these elements from gas to liquid and back, all aircraft on this air station wouldn’t be able to taxi out to even take off,” said Hernandez. Hernandez said the aircraft utilize the liquid oxygen for breathing capabilities, while they use the liquid nitrogen in the tires, struts, canopies and even in missile tubes. “When I am asked what I do in the Marine Corps no one knows what cryogenics is,” said Hernandez. “That is one of the most fun parts of my job, explaining the science and procedure behind what I do. I also take pride in the fact that my job has a great impact on the Marines aboard this air station and the mission of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.”