Mechanics keep Marines on the move

Photo By Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank | Lance Cpl. Larry R. Hepner, a mechanic with Combat Logistics Company 111, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, uses a power washer to clean Humvee hubs. After cleaning the parts, they are sent to the manufacturer where they are rebuilt. "I usually fix two Humvees a day," said Hepner, from Moline, Ill. "I can bust them out like it's cool." Hepner also fixes logistics vehicle systems and 7-ton trucks.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

08.06.2008

Story by Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank 

1st Marine Logistics Group

By Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank

AR-RAMADI, Iraq - Combat Logistics Company 111, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, works hard repairing vehicles, so others can continue on with their mission.

"My job here is to keep the gear on the road," said Lance Cpl. Larry R. Hepner, a mechanic with CLC-111. "What I do makes it possible for the grunts to keep on doing their job."

Hepner fixes logistics vehicle systems, 7-ton trucks and humvees. In the last month, he's been repairing roughly two humvees per day. "I can bust them out like it's cool," said Hepner, 21, from Moline, Ill.

The CLC-111 mechanics shop provides mechanical services for eight different Marine Corps and Army units. They repair an average of 18 engines a month. The shop also provides maintenance to utility and heavy equipment vehicles.

"I work on heavy equipment," said Cpl. Justin R. Root, who is a HE mechanic with CLC-111. "Before any equipment leaves the shop, I inspect it to make sure the problem it came in with is fixed."

CLC-111 repairs the equipment that is vital to completing the mission in and around Camp Ramadi. The barriers are located all around base to protect the people who work there.

"All the barriers here are put up by the 25-ton cranes and [tractor, rubber tired, articulate steering, multi-purpose vehicle]," said Root, 21. "The barriers are here to protect us from indirect fire shrapnel."

With all the military vehicles needing preventive maintenance, there are a lot of dangerous materials that need to be disposed of.

"I properly dispose of all hazardous materials for every unit that uses this shop," said Lance Cpl. Deivi Rivera, a hazardous material representative with CLC-111. Rivera has disposed of more than 200 batteries, 300 oil filters and 2,300 gallons of hazardous materials in the last five months.

"The Marines here are keeping everyone else up and running," said Gunnery Sgt. Eric S. Carlsson, the maintenance chief with CLC-111. "They are always ready for more work."

• Date Taken: 08.06.2008
• Date Posted: 08.18.2008 09:11
• Story ID: 22611
• Location: RAMADI, IQ