Grease is the word: Mechanics counter dusty climate with lubricant

Courtesy Photo | CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (Jan. 3, 2007) - Sgt. Bryan Koch and Spc. Denis Spiller follow environmental guidelines and dump oil from a recent oil change into an approved container. The two Soldiers say that the 96th Trans will use over 100 gallons of lubrication each month.  

KUWAIT

01.03.2007

Story by Capt. Michael Wallace 

377th Theater Sustainment Command

By Capt. Michael Wallace,
377th Theater Support Command

KUWAIT (Jan. 3, 2007) - The shifting desert sands of Kuwait may make a good setting for a movie, but for the Soldiers stationed in this dry country, the fine-gritted abrasive is a major enemy that bears constant preparation to counter.

"Grease is the word," said Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Poling, maintenance floor supervisor of for the Navy Seabees. "Lubrication is the simplest and most effective way to beat any abrasives when dealing with our equipment."

Southwest Asia sand is so fine it is carried in the air and gets into moving parts on equipment neccessary to fulfill the mission of Third Army/U.S. Army Central. "Even the air carries it into every nook and cranny," agreed Sgt. Bryan Koch and Spc. Dennis Spiller, both direct support mechanics for the 96th Transportation Command.

Maintenance chiefs agree that the sand wears out equipment quickly, and the only thing that keeps the bushings and bearings from wearing out is proper operator maintenance, and following a strict lubrication schedule.

The Seabees lube all moving parts at least monthly.

"It depends on the lube charts. The operator should follow the chart," said Poling.

The 96th Transportation Command uses about 100 gallons of assorted weight lubrication oils and greases per month. The maintenance crews are better prepared now for keeping the sand, dust and grit at bay than just a short time ago.

For Koch and Spiller, this is their third rotation to the desert. "We are set up to conduct good, quality maintenance in this extreme environment. It's a lot better than just a year ago," they said.

But no matter how great the unit maintenance is, the crucial maintenance is conducted by the operator. "All everyone has to do is follow the lubrication charts and schedules and the life expectancy of their equipment will be very long," said Poling.

"We wind up with the aftermath of poor maintenance," said Koch and Spiller, both pointing out a box of worn out gears and bearings. "Those worn out gears and bearings are the result of poor maintenance that could have been avoided with proper lubrication during daily operations."

• Date Taken: 01.03.2007
• Date Posted: 01.03.2007 09:48
• Story ID: 8725
• Location: KW