Photo By Lt. Neil Myers | (From left to right) HT1 Chandler, PO2 Jimenez and SN Elliot in Asadabad motor pool.... read more read more
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By Navy Lt. Neil Myers
Combined Task Force 101
KUNAR, Afghanistan - Provincial Reconstruction Team Kunar's vehicle mechanics keep the wheels of coalition force rolling to accomplish the mission of security, reconstruction and development in the most eastern province of Afghanistan.
Three Sailors keep the engines running for the coalition forces in Kunar. PO1 Lee Chandler, a reservist from Naval Reserve Center Minneapolis, PO2 Edward Jimenez, a reserve construction mechanic from Naval Amphibious Base San Diego and SN Daniel Elliot, an active duty aviation mechanic stationed at Mayport Florida. The Navy mechanics work every day in a shop that is never closed. They service vehicles for every organization within 50 miles of Camp Wright, including the PRT, Marine ETT, PMT and all units attached to HHC 1-26 Infantry Battalion.
"We currently have over 95 percent of all the vehicles running, which is a tall order under these conditions," Chandler said.
It has taken a lot of work for these mechanics to reach that high level of readiness. When the team arrived in Asadabad in March the motor pool was a small two bay facility.
"In the old shop we had to rack and stack vehicles. We worked on two vehicles in the shop and others outside in the hot sun. It was like musical trucks," Chandler said.
The mechanics recently moved to a new indoor motor pool which allows them to service nine vehicles simultaneously. "We have more space so safety has improved," Chandler said. "The new shop is also air conditioned so the danger from heat injury is minimized."
The three Navy mechanics are augmented by six AECOM contractors who provide shop-level support for the more complex work. AECOM is a Los Angeles based company whose contractors provide general service vehicle maintenance and support to coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Both Jimenez and Elliot agree that the AECOM mechanics are a big help and the motor pool could hardly function without them. Three soldiers from the HHC 1-26 Infantry Battalion also assist with the demanding work load.
The mechanics have improved their troubleshooting and diagnostic skills during their short time on the ground. Most vehicles are turned around within 24 hours.
A major challenge for the mechanics is the harsh terrain and climate, which ranges from rugged mountains to sweltering desert valleys with extreme summertime heat. Conducting operations in this kind of environment can take its toll on these vehicles.
"The rough terrain keeps us busy. We are always working on ball joints, brakes and A/C units. There is a lot of work going on here," Elliot said.
The rough terrain along with the extra weight from the up-armor upgrades puts a lot of stress on the vehicles.
Being Navy in an Army environment, the Sailors had something to prove.
"When we first got here we got no respect. By working shoulder to shoulder and being willing to help any unit in need, we've earned some respect," Elliot said.
The Sailors reported that the best part of their day is seeing a vehicle roll out the shop with a happy driver.
"I want people to have confidence in the work we do. There is nothing that you can give us that we can't fix," Elliot said.
The Soldiers and Sailors of PRT Kunar and Task Force Spader are grateful for the work that the mechanics are doing and agree that the mechanics are essential to mission success. The mechanics know the importance of their work.
"My biggest fear is that someone will get hurt because I didn't do my job properly," Jimenez said.
"The mechanics of PRT Kunar are just one of the many vital parts of the team," Navy Commander, Daniel Dwyer, PRT Commander, said. "Without their commitment and hard work the PRT could not connect with the population or QA the PRT's 100 reconstruction projects. When we make contact with the enemy I know our vehicles are up for the fight."
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2008 09:18 |
| Story ID: | 22325 |
| Location: | KUNAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 125 |
| Downloads: | 102 |
This work, Unsung Heroes –Navy Mechanics Keep the Wheels of the Coalition Force Rolling, by LT Neil Myers, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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