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    2/16th maintainers bring M1151s back online following TACOM training

    TACOM training

    Photo By Master Sgt. Dillon White | Right, Gary Cameron, U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armament Command automotive...... read more read more

    CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI

    07.24.2014

    Story by Staff Sgt. Dillon White 

    Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

    CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - U.S. Army vehicle maintainers with Fox Company, 2/16th Infantry Battalion have increased M1151, HMMWV readiness rate nearly 30 percent in the past several weeks thanks to a recent class conducted by an instructor from U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armament Command.

    Gary Cameron, TACOM automotive equipment specialist and logistics assistance representative, arrived at Camp Lemonnier July 14 and taught 12 maintainers from the 2/16th various diagnostic skills during two weeks of classroom and hands-on instruction.

    “In the two weeks I’ve been here, they’ve been able to repair every a/c fault they had,” said Gary Cameron, U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armament Command automotive equipment specialist and logistics assistance representative. “The guys have gained enough knowledge that turn-around times have gone from about a week per vehicle to about four hours. They have an understanding of how the system works and know how to use the tools to repair it.”

    In addition to being more competent vehicle maintenance technicians, all 12 students will receive an international certification for automotive air conditioning repair.

    Cameron taught the Soldiers troubleshooting in: air conditioning, transmissions, fuel systems and automatic fire extinguishing systems.

    He also provided the Soldiers lesson plans and updated technical manuals so when he left, his knowledge would remain.

    “Before the class … if you told me what parts to take off and put back on I could do it,” said Pfc. Cody Wright, 2/16th vehicle maintainer. “Now -- after the class -- I can diagnose the problems. [Cameron] didn’t just show us, he made us do it. He gave us the knowledge but it’s up to us now to get better,” he continued. “I feel a lot more confident now. I’m only going to get better.”

    Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mark McNair, 2/16th Infantry Battalion maintenance technician, said the vehicles his Soldiers have diagnosed and repaired during and following the training marks a new level of sustainment.

    “They are much more eager now,” McNair said. “They aren’t frustrated when they go out and they really want to apply what they’ve learned. I expect our readiness rate will remain near 90 percent.”

    McNair, who requested the training, from TACOM, said maintenance his Soldiers perform, whether it shoots, moves or communicates -- is vitally important.

    “When our guys have well-maintained equipment, everyone gets back to camp safely,” he said.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.24.2014
    Date Posted: 08.01.2014 07:27
    Story ID: 137972
    Location: CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ

    Web Views: 167
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN