TF King mechanics keep Golf Battery moving

Courtesy Photo | Army Spc. Sherard Green, 22, of Saratoga, Ark. with Golf Battery, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, turns a wrench while fixing the brakes of an Army M1114 Humvee at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, Sep. 27.  

AFGHANISTAN

09.29.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

by Spc. Henry Selzer
173rd ABCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MEHTAR LAM, Afghanistan - Mechanics of Golf Battery, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, do everything it takes to keep their company moving forward.

Even though the first few months of the deployment were spent organizing the motor pool and storage facilities, Soldiers of the 4-319th maintenance team did everything possible to make sure their company had the equipment needed to complete their missions, working 24-hour shifts and changing numerous amounts of engines and transmission for the first three months.

"I have been in the Army for 14 years and have never had a maintenance team that worked this well together," said Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Stimson, 33, from Kelso, Wash.

The heat and mountainous conditions the trucks operate in everyday cause them to need attention more often than normal, with Golf Bty. mechanics doing anything from operator level to level-three shop work.

"This is the best crew and shop I have ever been involved with," said Spc. Donald Davidson, 21, of Ontonagon, Mich., also with Golf Bty.

With constant attention needed by the trucks, the mechanics of the 4-319th have had to learn what to look for first and how to get the trucks turned around and back out of the maintenance bay in a timely manner, according to Spc. Sherard Green, 22, of Saratoga, Ark.

"It was a lot of work! As we would get one truck done and pushed out, another one would be on its way in," said Green.

• Date Taken: 09.29.2007
• Date Posted: 10.01.2007 15:13
• Story ID: 12664
• Location: AF