Radio technician maintains convoy communication systems

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Nicholas Matthews, a radio technician, and Sgt. Donia Manigualt, a radio dispatcher, both from Charleston, S.C., and with the 941st Transportation Company, 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, test radios at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, July 11. (U.S Army photo by Spc. Crystal Williams)  

JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

06.28.2011

Courtesy Story

4th Sustainment Brigade

CONTIENGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Soldiers from the 941st Transportation Company, 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, must leave the base weekly for missions delivering equipment and supplies to U.S. forces throughout the southern Iraq area.

Since these soldiers are on the roads, it is vital that they communicate with their respective bases and other units within their area.

To ensure communication between convoys and bases goes as smoothly as possible, radio technicians, such as Spc. Nicholas Matthews, a Charleston, S.C., native, constantly check and re-check communication radios.

“Every day is a challenge, but I look forward to it,” he said. “I get a chance to work with different people from all over Contingency Operating Base Adder.”

Matthews maintains more than 80 radio systems and 72 global positioning systems. He is also responsible for training nine radio operators and keeping them current on communication equipment.

“I know that if a radio goes outside the wire, I have ensured that all communication is in check and my unit can call for help,” he said.
There has not been any communication issue since the unit has arrived in theater, and Matthews is responsible for that continued success.

“Matthews has grown into a very knowledgeable communication specialist. He spends many hours preparing the unit for missions, which to date, resulted in mission success,” said 1st Sgt. Anthony Moore, first sergeant and senior enlisted leader for the 941st Trans. Co. and a Charleston, S.C., native. “He has performed duties far above his pay grade and does an outstanding job.”

• Date Taken: 06.28.2011
• Date Posted: 07.24.2011 05:20
• Story ID: 74227
• Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ