Pablo “Louie” Sanchez is currently serving as the Assistant Program Manager for Logistics (APML) for the AV-8B at NAVAIRSYSCOM PMA-257. As the AV-8B APML, he leads the platform’s sundown, including the disposal of aircraft, engines, tooling, training devices, and support equipment. He is also tasked with preserving aircraft for museums and static displays across the country, highlighting the engineering marvel of the AV-8B II+ Harrier and the F402 engine. These displays aim to inspire youth to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and become tomorrow’s technical leaders.

Prior to becoming the APML/PSM, he served as the Deputy APML supporting the AV-8B Mission Systems team from November 2005 to September 2024. During his tenure as DAPML, the Mission Systems team delivered critical capabilities to the AV-8B, including the introduction of the LITENING Targeting Pod, TAMMAC, MAGR2KS, ALE-47, full LITENING integration on Stations 3, 4, 5, and 6, Link-16, and operational flight programs spanning OC1.2 through H7.4.

Louie Sanchez began his military career on August 22, 1983, entering Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego, CA. In the Marine Corps, he initially served as an artilleryman (0811). In January 1990, he made a lateral move into Marine Aviation, completing MOS training at Millington, TN, and MCAS Cherry Point, NC, as an I-level F402 powerplant mechanic (6025/6222).

In November 1990, after earning his 6025 MOS, he reported to MCAS Yuma, AZ. He immediately volunteered for the Casualty Replacement Regiment and deployed forward in support of Operation Desert Storm. In March 1993, he was selected, trained, and assigned as a recruiter at RS Detroit, where he earned Recruiter of the Year honors and was subsequently assigned as the SNCOIC of his recruiting station.

Following recruiting duty in 1996, he was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS)-14, Work Center 41T, at MCAS Cherry Point. There, he was tasked with establishing the first Major Repairable Assembly (MRA) shop supporting the F402-RR-408 engine. Following the successful stand-up and production of MRAs, he served in MALS-14 Quality Assurance until receiving orders to NAVAIRSYSCOM in June 2000.

From June 2000 until his retirement from the Marine Corps in November 2005, GySgt Sanchez served as the AV-8B Maintenance Manager. During this tour, he contributed to the team that introduced the first AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pod to the AV-8B platform and later assisted with integrating and supporting LITENING targeting pods on F/A-18A–D Hornets.

Originally from Lawton, OK, he resides in St. Mary’s County, MD, with his wife, Melanie Sanchez. They have two adult sons, Kaden and Talon, who both work in aviation maintenance, as well as two grandchildren, Drayce (10) and Atlee (6). His personal interests include bow hunting, motorcycling, cycling, and spending time with his family.