Photo By Sgt. Brianna Gaudi | Sgt. Vincent Clark, a motor transportation wrecker operator with Combat Logistics...... read more read more
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Sgt. Vincent Clark, a motor transportation wrecker operator laces his vapor barrier boots and zips up his gortex jacket preparing for the brisk Alaskan air that will meet him when he steps outside his squad bay. He walks across the snow covered motor pool to his vehicle, where he will start up his wrecker and begin maintenance checks in preparation for the day.
A Lake Grove, New York native with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Clark is currently taking part in Exercise Arctic Edge 18, in Fort Greely, Alaska, March 2018.
Consisting of more than 1500 participants from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy, Arctic Edge 18 is a biennial, large-scale, joint-training exercise that prepares and tests the U.S. military’s ability to operate tactically in the extreme cold-weather conditions found in Arctic environments by utilizing the unique and expansive air and ground training areas in Alaska.
Clark first found himself amongst the ranks of the Marines by following in his brother’s footsteps. He explains that he looked up to his brother, who joined in 2007, and wanted to emulate him in his choice to serve his country.
“I enjoyed working on vehicles from a young age,” said Clark, “So with my brother’s guidance it was easy for me to take the same path and choose a job in the motor transportation field.”
Starting as a motor transportation operator, Clark conducted pack movements, resupplies and transportation of anything logistics. After becoming sufficient in his specialty, he began working toward an advanced license to operate the wrecker and went back to the school house for six-weeks to learn about the AMK36 and MKR15 Wreckers.
“The wrecker serves as a universal tow-truck to the Marine Corps,” said Clark. We aid the other vehicles in any situation they may find themselves in. Overall we serve as a helping hand to the motor transportation community,” he said.
Clark explains that his job is extremely vital because if a vehicle were to go down, he can pull it out of mud, sand and snow if it is trapped, and have the ability to upright a vehicle that has been flipped over. With this secondary specialty, Clark possess the necessary skill set to recover vehicles, operate the wrecker crane and conduct winch operations.
The wrecker operator must stay ready in the chance there is a call. When the call is received, the wrecker operator will drive out to the vehicle in need of assistance and assess the situation. If a motor transportation mechanic is unable to fix the vehicle, it is the wrecker operator who will return the vehicle to its motor pool for proper maintenance.
“I love this job because I wake up every day knowing that Marines rely upon me to be there for them,” Clark said. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that you’re there serving others.”
Being a part of Arctic Edge, Clark explains this is the first time a lot of people have worked in these types of conditions, which provides more challenges, and serves as an awesome learning experience for the motor transportation community.
As opposed to Camp Lejeune, N.C., Alaska provides snowy conditions that make it more difficult to maneuver on the roads, which can affect how transport operators work. In addition to placing snow chains on the vehicles, Clark as a wrecker operator has the ability to assist vehicles in such adverse conditions.
“Drivers have to be more aware and alert of what they’re doing because often times it’s hard to distinguish where the road is and if they are driving on ice or not,” said Clark. “Almost like a guardian angel, I act as a safety net for the drivers.”
With only days before the start of the Exercise, Clark explains he is eager to participate and pass on what he has learned from his experience to his junior Marines.
Currently having served five years, Clark reenlisted in the fall of 2016 to further educate himself in his occupational specialty and continue to advance in his Marine Corps career.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2018 00:55 |
| Story ID: | 268952 |
| Location: | FORT GREELY, AK, US |
| Hometown: | LAKE GROVE, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 665 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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