Maintenance A&A team builds engines, relationships

Photo By Maj. A. Sean Taylor | Iraqi security force mechanics rebuild an engine for an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier at the tracked vehicle repair facility on Camp Taji, Iraq, July 11, 2015. A team of tracked vehicle mechanics from the U.S. Army’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Mechanized Infantry Division, serve as a maintenance advise and assist team to the ISF mechanics, serving the Iraqi logistics depot, in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. (Photo by Capt. A. Sean Taylor/Released)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

08.04.2015

Story by Capt. A. Sean Taylor 

310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

SOUTHWEST ASIA – In Iraq, a small maintenance advise and assist team, a MAAT, works with Iraqi security forces tracked-vehicle mechanics to repair and maintain their fleet of vehicles in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

U.S. Army 1st Lt Jerico Abacan, a maintenance control officer with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Mechanized Infantry Division, based out of Fort Carson, Colorado, leads one of the MAATs attached to the 310th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Forward Advise and Assist team serving at the Iraqi security forces logistics depot at Camp Taji, Iraq.

“This is different than any of my other deployments,” said Abacan, who is serving in his fourth deployment to Iraq. “We are working alongside of them this time and it is probably the most rewarding mission, because I know we are making a difference.”

Initially, the team came to assist with the maintenance of M1A1 Abrams tanks, but that mission was being done by civilian contractors. So, the team found a need with other tracked vehicles including the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier and the M88 Hercules recovery vehicles.

“We are happy to be working with this team,” said Iraqi army Lt. Fahad Ali, the assistant manager of the M113 repair facility.

In less than two months, the team has assessed more than 33 vehicles and assisted in ordering more than 500 crucially needed parts.

The team is not taking over for the Iraqi mechanics, but assisting them in managing priorities and requirements to enhance mission success.

“We are building a foundation for the future,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Litton, a tank mechanic who is also on his fourth deployment to Iraq and second to Camp Taji. “Our goal is not to do the work for them but help them improve the process of getting parts from their warehouses to repair facilities quickly and efficiently.”

The MAAT’s initial 30-day mission to Iraq has evolved into a 90-day mission with hopes that more support will follow as they plan for redeployment.

“Now is the time to stand beside Iraq,” Fahad said. “We need support and we need help to win this war.”

• Date Taken: 08.04.2015
• Date Posted: 08.04.2015 05:44
• Story ID: 172047
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)
• Hometown: TAJI, IQ
• Hometown: FORT CARSON, CO, US
• Hometown: FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US
• Hometown: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US