Combat Logistics Battalion 4 prepares heavy equipment for upcoming deployments

Photo By Sgt. Brandon Saunders | Pfc. Abram C. Dones, heavy equipment mechanic with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, fixes a hydraulic leak on a Kalmar Rough Terrain Container Handler at Camp Kinser.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.15.2011

Story by Sgt. Brandon Saunders 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - Heavy equipment operators and mechanics from III Marine Expeditionary Force have been working around the clock, inspecting and preparing their equipment for upcoming exercises and deployments.

The Marines, part of Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF, are responsible for ensuring their equipment is ready to go for any expeditionary move. This involves servicing all vehicles so they are mechanically ready and operable throughout the span of the unit’s deployments.

The Kalmar Rough Terrain Container Handler, a heavy equipment vehicle used to lift and move field containers, is one of the most important components of the battalion’s support capabilities.

“The Kalmar is what we use to stage massive containers in the field,” said Lance Cpl. Torrey D. Hoxie, heavy equipment mechanic with Support Company. “It’s important that this thing is always ready to go.”

The four-wheel drive vehicle can handle 45 percent grades under a load, has a maximum lift capacity of 20 tons and travels at a maximum speed of 24 kilometers per hour. Four-wheel steering allows it to maneuver within relatively small areas as it stacks field containers up to three high.

The unit is scheduled to use this piece of equipment when they participate in Mojave Viper at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., prior to their deployment to Afghanistan.

“We’re working a lot right now to ensure our gear is ready,” said Lance Cpl. Simon R. Kidder, heavy equipment mechanic with CLB-4. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re all pretty excited.”

• Date Taken: 07.15.2011
• Date Posted: 07.14.2011 22:06
• Story ID: 73754
• Location: OKINAWA, JP