3rd Maintenance Battalion tightens wrenches on readiness

OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.16.2013

Courtesy Story

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

By Lance Cpl. John S. Gargano

OKINAWA, Japan - With a twist of a wrench and the turn of a screwdriver, Marines work diligently to repair electronics, fix vehicles and equipment, and maintain the readiness necessary to respond to any crisis.

To help ensure readiness, Marines with 3rd Maintenance Battalion took part in a battalion-wide maintenance exercise July 16 at Camp Kinser.

“The training was an estimation as to what it would take to move our battalion during a large-scale exercise (or operation),” said 1st Lt. Elle M. Ekman, the executive officer of the battalion, which is part of Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “The exercise is a way to improve our expeditionary capabilities and consider the logistical aspects of what we would need to see performed during future large-scale exercises and deployments.”

The day focused on vehicle maintenance and electronic and radio repair.

“Our mission was to repair the radios and electronic equipment that is going to be (relied on),” said Lance Cpl. Dorian O. Fernandez, a telephone repairman with the battalion. “This was great training because it better prepared us for when we will need to participate in large operations.”

If a piece of equipment’s functionality is degraded or unusable it can have a drastic effect on mission accomplishment, according to Staff Sgt. Matthew C. Traywick, the radio-repair section chief with the battalion.

“We used this time to work on any issues and see where our shortfalls are,” said Traywick. “One of the biggest aspects of the exercise was to identify equipment malfunctions early on, so we can mitigate them for future operations and deployments.”
The exercise helped Marines organize the battalion quickly and competently for future deployments.

The meticulous and demanding exercise also provided a window into what the Marines can expect in future exercises, and it allowed the Marines to prepare for the operation in an efficient manner, according to Sgt. Steven Orta, an automotive organizational mechanic with the battalion.

“The exercise was a great chance for the Marines to get a feel for what the field will be like,” said Orta. “It also provided them with the opportunity to perfect their skills. The training enables the battalion to be ready to deploy.”

As the exercise ended, the members of the battalion realized they had made great strides in terms of preparation and were ready for what the future would bring, according to Orta.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2013
• Date Posted: 08.02.2013 00:15
• Story ID: 111226
• Location: OKINAWA, JP