Photo By Capt. Valencia Scott | More than 80 Soldiers from the 452nd Ordnance Company received important training at...... read more read more
CRANE, Indiana -- More than 80 Soldiers from the 452nd Ordnance Company received important training at Crane Army Ammunition Activity Nov. 5-19, 2016, which directly related to the missions specific skills needed for when they deploy. Working with CAAA was ideal for the ordnance company to conduct training considering Crane it is the third largest naval installation in the world with 650, 000 Tons of Ordnance Storage Capacity. Prior to this annual training, the company typically conducted their annual training in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for either a warrior exercise (WAREX), or combat support training exercise (CSTX).
Unlike previous annual trainings, this one provided hands on training for everyone included in the company, which primarily consists of ammunition specialists. NSA Crane primarily consists of civilians that perform these duties (and others) regularly, however, they were glad to work with Soldiers. “Hands-on training at Crane Army Ammunition Activity is a great opportunity for our workforce to interact with the Warfighter they serve every day. CAAA employees are able to share their expertise with Soldiers and in return Soldiers are able to experience effective ammunition logistics that support them when deployed around the world,” said Matt McGowen, Crane Army’s Director of Depot Operations.
Training at Crane covered the full spectrum of ammunition duties to include inventory, surveillance, and blocking and bracing. Soldiers in the unit were assigned to small teams that rotated between the three ammunition duties, thus providing effective cross training on the broad spectrum of different jobs, especially for those in the unit who are not ammunition specialist. Pfc. Marissa Hix of Rapid City, North Dakota is a transportation coordinator, however she worked in the rotating ammunition teams. “This has been a really good experience, especially not being an ammunition specialist. I get to see what they do in case I do want to change my military occupation specialty,” said Hix. Hix was able to explain the purpose of surveillance in which she assisted civilians inspect small arms ammunition, which is to look for deficiencies such as cracks and scratches.
Each annual training task tied into each other and formed the different roles each team had. Sgt. Zachary Gruba explained the blocking and bracing process, which essentially creates braces to protect the ammunition by preventing it from shifting and sliding in the trailer when ammunition is shipped. The importance of blocking and bracing is justified considering the next stop for the ammunition involved Soldiers loading it on either the palletized loading system (PLS) team or using heavy lifting equipment such as a Kalmar that loads the large CONNEXs onto military vehicles. The PLS and heavy lifting team had plenty of room and equipment to practice on Crane. Spc. Brenden Kaffar attested to this who operated a Kalmar machine on the heavy lifting team, which was also his favorite part of annual training. “This is the biggest machine I have ever operated. We have one at the unit but we can’t actually operate it moving conexs,” said Kaffar.
While the unit provided great hands on training for the ammunition specialists and cross training for others, the company’s culinary specialists and mechanics also attributed to a successful annual training. Spc. Matthew Szymonki of Watertown, South Dakota, and other culinary specialists were busy from four o’clock in the morning until the six o’clock in the evening preparing hot breakfast and dinner for the entire company in the mobile kitchen trailer (MKT). “I think the Soldiers look forward to the hot meal to get them started and at the end of a long day,” said Syzmonki. Staff Sgt. Kelly Ford, the non-commissioned officer in charge allowed the Soldiers to cook without his interference, which he believes allows the Soldiers to trust each other and build cohesion. Similarly, the mechanics worked in the maintenance shop and learned new skills for the civilians. Capt. Kristen Outtrim, the 452nd Ordnance Company Commander, was proud of her Soldiers and overall felt the training was successful. “Hands on training is always good, you can never get enough training about your job.”
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 12.05.2016 15:03 |
| Story ID: | 216463 |
| Location: | CRANE, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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