2-6th Mechanics keep the wheels turning

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Montello | Pvt. Juan Tajeda, 2-6 Cav, E Troop, Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, place a jack stand under a humvee as the service crew prepares to check the wheel bearings at FOB Warrior, Kirkuk Iraq, on September 20th.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

09.20.2006

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Montello 

25th Combat Aviation Brigade

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Montello
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

KIRKUK, IRAQ (Sept. 20, 2006) - Maintaining military vehicles is a continuous cycle that requires daily attention. Changing the filters, checking the fluids and rotating the tires is serious business. A mechanical breakdown can leave Soldiers not just stranded, but in harms way when conducting operations outside the safety of their operating base in Iraq.

When Soldiers venture outside the wire to conduct missions, worrying about a vehicle breakdown is one concern they don't need. Fortunately, one group of Soldiers specializes in making sure that vehicles are running properly and completing the mission without incident.

Soldiers of the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry, Troop E, 25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade are a service crew of mechanics that perform daily inspections, repairs and maintenance on anything that transports Soldiers. Their responsibility is to make sure vehicles are dependable and bring Soldiers out on mission home safely.

"If a vehicle goes down, the more likely we are to lose Soldiers. It is our job to make sure the vehicles are in top notch shape when they go out," said Pfc. Marinia Norris, Light Wheeled Mechanic, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry, Troop E, 25th ID CAB.

The mechanics service on average, about 50 vehicles monthly and all vehicles get a full service maintenance check every 5,000 miles.

"The operator will tell the mechanic what needs to be done to the vehicle. From that point forward the responsibility falls on the mechanic. It's the mechanic's job to make sure the vehicle leaves the motor pool with no faults. I don't want the vehicle to break down due to mechanical error because it puts Soldiers' lives and equipment at risk," said Spc. Dewees Lloyd, Light Wheeled Mechanic, 2nd Cavalry, 6th Battalion, Troop E, 25th ID CAB.

On a regular basis, humvees and other wheeled equipment shuffle in and out of the motor pool for routine service and maintenance. The mechanics of 2-6th Cavalry take pride in their work getting the vehicles back on the road and functioning at their very best for Soldiers.

"I like working on the humvees. It gives me a sense of accomplishment knowing I do my best to give the other Soldiers a dependable vehicle to complete their mission," said Juan Tejada, Light Wheeled Mechanic, Troop E, 2nd Cavalry, 6th Battalion, 25th ID CAB.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2006
• Date Posted: 09.25.2006 13:53
• Story ID: 7807
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ