1st MAW focuses efforts on vehicle safety

Photo By Lance Cpl. David Hersey | Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder guides a Logistics Vehicle System Replacement through a gate at Camp Kinser Nov. 6 during a visit with Motor Transport Company. During the visit, Rudder performed the duties of an assistant driver in the LSVR from Camp Foster to Camp Kinser, to include monitoring blind spots and navigating; gaining a better understanding of the safety procedures associated with the vehicle. Rudder is the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Motor Transport Co. is with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, III MEF. Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.06.2013

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder visited Marines with Motor Transport Company, Nov. 6 on Camp Foster to observe safety procedures followed by the Marines on a daily basis.
The company is assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“There have been a few incidents involving our vehicles,” said Sgt. Maj. Trevor V. Jackson, the 1st MAW sergeant major. “The commanding general and I wanted to see what it is the Marines have to deal with and why they are happening.”

Rudder, the 1st MAW commanding general, executed a round trip vehicle movement from the MWSS-172 Headquarters Building on Camp Foster to Camp Kinser and back in a Logistics Vehicle System Replacement. During the movement, Rudder was an assistant driver, helping to navigate and acting as a ground guide at the entrance gates of Camps Kinser and Foster.

For the Marines in the company, it was a chance to show their commanding general how they conduct standard safety measures when operating motor vehicles, according to Lance Cpl. Karl H. Miranda-Chavez, a motor vehicle operator with the company. They appreciated the opportunity to showcase their professionalism and work side by side with the senior leaders in their chain of command.
“Coming here and taking the time to learn about (his) Marines (demonstrates) he actually cares about the Marines (in his command),” said Miranda-Chavez. “It also gave us a chance to show him what we do and how our (job) is important in the Marine Corps.”

The company executes an average of 6–7 vehicle movements between bases daily, according to 1st Lt. David S. Greenberg, the commanding officer of the company. Over the course of a month, the company travels an average of 7,500 miles; safely transporting approximately 2,000 passengers, and carefully hauling more than 500 tons of cargo.

“Large tactical vehicles such as the LVSR have limited vision range, and the roads on Okinawa are narrow,” said Greenberg. “They can be hard to maneuver and it gets even harder when it rains. Today, we had the chance to show the brigadier general what we do, and he got to see (the challenges) we have to deal with here on island.”
Upon returning to Camp Foster, Rudder and Jackson had gained a better understanding of the safe-driving challenges faced by the company during their vehicle movements, and both enjoyed the time spent with their Marines, according to Jackson.

“We take every opportunity to go and stand (with) the Marines when we can,” said Jackson. “We have a genuine care for what they do, and we appreciate the services they provide to the Marine Corps. We appreciated their cooperation and had a great time being with the Marines.”

• Date Taken: 11.06.2013
• Date Posted: 11.14.2013 00:17
• Story ID: 116696
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP