Mechanics keep tactical vehicles in motion

Photo By Sgt. Brandon Saunders | Pfc. Wayne A. Hill, mechanic assigned to Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, conducts maintenance on a wheel hub during a preventive maintenance, checks and service on a M1123 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle here, April 11.  

CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.12.2011

Story by Cpl. Brandon Saunders 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP KINSER, Japan - The mechanics with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, aboard Camp Kinser, are often the unsung heroes keeping the company’s tactical vehicles on the road.

Mechanics play a crucial role in the operational readiness of III MEF by conducting the maintenance, service and checks necessary to keep tactical vehicles in full operational condition, so they are always ready for local use and deployments, said Staff Sgt. Eric J. Gorman, a motor transport chief with CLR-37.

“We are a vital part of maintaining ground movement. In the civilian world, mechanics keep vehicles on the road. In the military, we do that and accomplish the mission,” Gorman said.

III MEF stands as a force in readiness supporting bilateral and multilateral training exercises throughout the Asia-Pacific region in countries including the Republic of the Philippines, the Kingdom of Thailand and Australia. The 3rd MLG provides many of the tactical vehicles used in these exercises.

Additionally, humanitarian assistance disaster relief missions may require tactical vehicles in order to transport cargo, such as food and water, to those in need, said Gorman. The ability to deploy vehicles logistically strengthens the Marine Corps’ ability to provide aid in the Asia-Pacific region.

The mechanics understand the necessity of their job and work countless hours to ensure vehicles are ready to perform, said Sgt. Lam Tran, a motor transport noncommissioned officer in charge with CLR-37.

“If vehicles are in need of repair, then we will work until they are repaired no matter how late into the night,” said Tran. “People tend to believe that [motor transportation] only consists of operators, but we’re here working just as hard.”

Due to the sometimes harsh, physical conditions of the terrain, vehicles are often susceptible to incidental damage. A large part of the mechanical work involved with the preventive maintenance, checks and service of tactical vehicles is to correct any discrepancies from recent exercises and operations.

Repairs and vehicle maintenance include everything from replacing light bulbs to fully servicing the transmissions of humvees. A daily inspection is conducted on each vehicle before it is released from the motor pool.

“The logistical aspect of deployments and exercises is the lifeline for any operation,” Gorman said. “We need the mechanics to keep that alive.”

• Date Taken: 04.12.2011
• Date Posted: 04.24.2011 21:10
• Story ID: 69291
• Location: CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JP