Patriot missile maintainers keep air defense artillery systems mission-ready

Photo By Master Sgt. Doug Roles | CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Pvt. Jensen Clement (left) and Pvt. Kael Friday conduct equipment services July 6, 2018 during Patriot Maintenance Sustainment Program (PMSP) operations. (U.S. Army photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Allen Cain).  

KUWAIT

07.06.2018

Courtesy Story

Task Force Spartan

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – While deployed to Southwest Asia, the maintenance team of Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade diligently safeguards the operational readiness of the combat force in its area of operation. The 1-62nd falls under the 31st Air Defense Artillery as part of Task Force Spartan.
For a maintenance team, a Patriot Maintenance Sustainment Program (PMSP) period is a highly visible event as well as a crucial part of long-term Patriot system readiness. During the unit’s latest cycle July 6-9 the system maintenance team along with the intermediate support element (ISE) and Raytheon representatives were able to complete all maintenance actions while completing a full system validation in minimal time.
During dedicated maintenance periods outlined in the PMSP, maintainers made sure their complex systems remained mission capable. The unit maintenance team uses these periods to ensure every piece of mission critical equipment is cleaned and maintained to guarantee continuous operations.
Each cycle of PMSP requires great attention and skill from maintainers to confirm the system is thoroughly cleaned of contaminants – such as sand – that can affect operations.
The section’s hard working attitude and efficiency is anchored by the noncommissioned officer in charge, Spc. Cody Tylka from Uniontown, Pa. Under his leadership, Tylka developed a comprehensive plan for the maintenance period and briefed the battery leadership for guidance. The unit ensured that all actions were conducted in accordance with the Army’s troop leading procedures (TLPs), effectively allowing all actions to be conducted in a deliberate manner while focusing on individual leadership development.
Sgt. Tyler Suess from Edwardsville, Ill., a battalion ISE noncommissioned officer, provided support and guidance to the young maintenance team.
“Spc. Tylka’s team has a lot of knowledge and it is a privilege to work with the Delta Battery system maintenance team,” said Suess.
Along with the system maintenance team conducting its operations, the field maintenance team (FMT), led by Sgt. Johnathan Adams, conducted annual services on all tactical generators and conventional pieces of equipment. Pfc. Christopher Pachas, with the assistance of operators, was able to conduct all of the services without any equipment failure and with an expedited timeline. Spc. Quintci Flowers and the rest of the FMT team worked tirelessly to complete annual services on several key components. On the final day of PMSP, Pfc. Cealan Thomas from Tallahassee, Fla., a newly assigned system maintainer, reflected on the in-depth maintenance period that had just concluded.
“This is the hardest thing we have done so far, but I learned a lot about the radar. I’m very glad to be a member of the maintenance team,” said Thomas.
For Delta Battery, this PMSP cycle highlighted the exhaustive efforts put forth by the maintenance team and their drive to support both the battery and the overall mission.
Chief Warrant 2 Allen Cain is Delta Battery’s maintenance warrant. Soldiers in his section completed Patriot Maintenance Sustainment Program maintenance tasks under his guidance.

• Date Taken: 07.06.2018
• Date Posted: 09.06.2018 07:26
• Story ID: 291579
• Location: KW