Photo By Master Sgt. Gary Witte | Pvt. Thomas Smith, a driver with the 475th Trailer Transfer Detachment, acts as a...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Daniel Haun
300th Mobile Public Affairs Detchment
FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – The 475th Trailer Transfer Point Detachment from Bardstown, Ky., is moving more than shipping containers; they're moving the equipment that makes exercise Pacific Warrior possible.
"The mechanics keep the equipment running, so it keeps the mission going," said Staff Sgt. Kerry S. Milburn, the acting first sergeant.
"It's the same way here; keep the Conexes loaded and out to the (Forward Operating Bases) and it keeps the mission going."
He said his Soldiers don't have decades of experience, but they are professional.
"They're some of the best Soldiers I've had in my 23-year career," Milburn said. "Even though they're young, they're energetic. They'll do whatever you ask them."
Youth and energy are two necessities for what can prove to be a dangerous occupation.
"It's a really big safety hazard when you pick up a Conex, you're blinded all around," said Spc. James P. Allen, a light wheel vehicle mechanic.
"You have to really rely on some good ground guides and make sure they're taking all the safety precautions. As close as they will be to the equipment, you've got to really be careful where they're (located) at all times."
With safety as the key, Soldiers are restricted from crossing the Conex yard adjacent to the Intermediate Staging Base.
"You'll see us getting on people all the time around the yard for crossing it when we've got equipment running," Allen said.
Along with safety, equipment functions checks are vital to the mission.
"You've got to check your equipment before you start your day up," Allen said. "We do this in the civilian world with our vehicles before we drive, especially on trips. Running oil checks, making sure nothing is dripping, making sure all the lights and brakes work, making sure everything's working. There's no reason to be deadlined or anything like that."
He noted it was no different getting ready for Pacific Warrior this year.
"Preparation (involves) going over the training manuals and getting familiar with the equipment that we will be operating on; doing a lot of (Preventative Maintenance Checks) and making sure everything is good to go, that way we know what we're doing already before we step out here," he said.
In the case of the Conex yard, the job isn't for everyone.
"You've got to be well-rounded, work with your hands, and don't care (if you) get a little bit dirty," Allen said.
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2008 13:44 |
| Story ID: | 20446 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 233 |
| Downloads: | 223 |
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