At Stevens Aerospace, we are proud to have a team of dedicated individuals who go above and beyond...
If you’ve spent any time around Stevens Aerospace’s GYH location, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Marvel Bailey. With 25 years under his belt and a deep commitment to both safety and service, Marvel is the kind of team member every organization hopes to have—dedicated, dependable, and driven by purpose.
Marvel's aviation journey began unexpectedly. “A childhood friend introduced me to an Air Force recruiter,” he recalls. “After speaking with him, I just knew—I wanted to be in aviation.” That calling took him to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, where he worked on F-15 aircraft in the Inspection Section of the U.S. Air Force.
After transitioning out of the military, Marvel made South Carolina home and soon discovered Stevens. “I’d heard how great Stevens was—how family-oriented it felt. I dropped off a resume with HR, met Amy, and before I knew it, I was shaking hands with Gary Ward and leaving with a job offer.” That first role involved working on King Airs, but Marvel didn’t stop there. His career grew across departments—from quality assurance in the paint and interior shops, to interior supervisor for the military program, to managing the paint shop, and then the entire military program.
Today, as Line Service and Customer Care Manager, Marvel’s day revolves around direct interaction with customers, helping them feel comfortable and confident in the work being done. “Because I’ve worked in so many departments, I understand the full picture. When I talk to customers about maintenance or refurbishments, they know I get it.” 
“This is the only company I’ve worked for besides the Air Force. I’ve never looked anywhere else—and I don’t plan to. That’s why I love working at Stevens—it reminds me of my military team. One team, one fight.”
Marvel’s loyalty stems from the strong sense of team he’s found here. “We’ve been through some tough economic times, but we’ve always pulled through. The knowledge and experience have been passed down, and we keep evolving.”
Among his proudest moments? During my time as Quality Assurance for the interior shop. We delivered two Piaggio aircraft in the same month—both without a single customer issue. “It was a total team effort, and the quality of work was outstanding.” He’s also deeply committed to
supporting fellow veterans. “When they come to me and say I’ve inspired them—that means everything.”
Marvel’s advice for newcomers to aviation is straightforward and heartfelt: “Come in with a good attitude. Be willing to learn. Understand that you’ll never know it all—but that’s okay.”
After 25 years, what keeps him going? “Being part of a great team,” he says. “And knowing that what we do matters—whether we’re carrying passengers or supporting critical operations, our job is to ensure every aircraft is safe.”
If he had to sum up Stevens in just a few words?
“A company that is always striving to be the best.”
We are grateful to Marvel for 25 years of devoted service and are honored to have him as a member of our Stevens team.
