Mechanics keep the Wheels Turning

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Maggie Coonce, a mechanic with the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a Lake Charles, La., native, mounts explosive-formed projectile panels on a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. The mechanics with 3-156th Inf. Bn. often work for several hours a day to ensure that vehicles are fully mission-capable. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jovan Washington)  

JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

09.15.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Division Sustainment Brigade

By Sgt. Jovan Washington

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq— For most soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, tactical vehicles are the primary mode of transportation in theater. The vehicles, which include Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck wrecker, are essential to a safe mission.

However, tactical vehicles often become immobile or non-mission-capable due to long patrols, battle damage, dusty and rough terrain, and extreme heat. When a vehicle goes down, it hinders the mission and jeopardizes soldiers’ safety. When this occurs, wheeled vehicle mechanics are called to duty.

Often exhausted and drenched in sweat with their Army Combat Uniforms covered in oil and grease stains, the wheeled vehicle mechanics with the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), work diligently, day and night, to “keep the wheels in the sand turning.”

The maintenance team consists of 12 mechanics whose primary duty is to handle the maintenance and repair of light and heavy tactical vehicles and select armored vehicles. They repair or service roughly six to eight vehicles on any given day, depending on the convoy mission schedules. Repairs and services range anywhere from changing a 600-pound tire to replacing explosive-formed projectile door panels, to simply changing bolts. Parts are ordered and shipped from various places and are often shipped by convoy. Convoys travel around the clock, transporting equipment, gear, and supplies.

“A fully mission-capable vehicle is…essential when moving from FOB [forward operating base] to FOB,” said Spc. Ruben Cormier, a mechanic with the 3-156th Inf. Bn., and a Ragley, La., native.

When a convoy returns from a mission, the first stop is the motor pool through the Technical Inspection line. The soldiers conduct preventive maintenance checks and services on their vehicle, and a mechanic from the shop checks the vehicle’s overall condition, ensuring there are no leaks or faults that could cause the vehicle to become non-mission-capable. Soldiers rely heavily on their equipment because their lives depend on it.

There is little room for error for the mechanics, and failure can cost lives, said Spc. Darrell Cox, a mechanic with the 3-156th Inf. Bn., and an Iowa, La., native.

“The team’s success has a lot to do with their ability to work together proficiently with limitations, as well as their willingness to complete the mission despite being faced with short notice deadlines and heavy repair demands,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gregory Chance, the maintenance officer-in-charge with the 3-156th Inf. Bn.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2010
• Date Posted: 10.18.2010 11:39
• Story ID: 58325
• Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ