Photo By Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | Cpl. Todd A. Forsha, heavy equipment operator, Heavy Equipment Detachment, Heavy...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Military flight lines are a hub of activity; both fixed wing and rotary wing are constantly flying in and out to rapidly deploy cargo and personnel to the forward operating bases and combat posts.
To quickly move the supplies on and off the aircraft Marines utilize the Heavy Equipment Detachment, Landing Support Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward).
“Our mission is to provide heavy equipment support to Landing Support Platoon as well as several other units here at the Bastion flight line during both fixed and rotary wing operations,” said Staff Sgt. Christian J. Keyser, engineer equipment chief, Heavy Equipment Detachment, LS Platoon, H&S Co., 1st MLG (FWD). “We load and unload all cargo that comes through Bastion Airfield on Marine aircraft.”
The Heavy Equipment Detachment handles about 100,000 to 200,000 pounds of cargo daily.
“It’s a lot of work,” said Lance Cpl. Fransisco Araiza, heavy equipment operator, Heavy Equipment Detachment, LS Platoon, H&S Company, 1st MLG (FWD). “We are constantly loading and offloading birds.”
The Marines tirelessly move supplies for coalition forces all over Helmand and Nimruz provinces. Since they arrived in September, the Marines have loaded and helped ship more than 40 million pounds of cargo for troops both heading to the fight and returning home.
“They like knowing that the gear that they move makes its way all over Afghanistan,” said Keyser, 33, from Canyon Country, Calif. “Marines are relying on them to get it there in order for them to accomplish their own mission.”
Operating material handling equipment that move large amounts of cargo is not an easy task. The operators have to work their large vehicles precisely, so they do not cause any damage to an aircraft.
In addition to loading and unloading the aircraft with care, the Marines also maintain their vehicles to keep them fully operational.
“With cargo operations going twenty-four hours a day, they work long shifts,” said Keyser. “When they’re not behind a [aircraft], they have to transition to performing preventative maintenance to ensure that their equipment is in good order and can provide continuous support.”
“I am really lucky to have the Marines and [non-commissioned officers] that I have here,” said Keyser. “Their work ethic, skill and dedication have made my job as their supervisor easier during this deployment.”
| Date Taken: | 02.23.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.28.2011 11:08 |
| Story ID: | 66225 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 168 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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