BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan- The 514th Support Maintenance Company, 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, based out of Fort Drum, New York, provides maintenance support for convoy escort teams before leaving on missions through a Pit Stop program ran by a crew of mechanics.
The program is intended to accurately identify all faults on equipment before convoys leave on missions. By ensuring proper preventive maintenance checks and services, the program aims to aid companies in eliminating all preventable maintenance issues and contributes to keeping Soldiers safe.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Johnson, Pueblo, Colorado native, Pit Stop noncommissioned officer in charge who oversees the operations as CETs prepare for missions, is responsible for verifying that vehicles receive proper technical inspections from the Pit Stop crew. The crew consists of two automotive vehicle mechanics, two armament specialists for crew-served and personal weapon systems, and two communications and electronics specialists for radios and the Blue Force Tracker system.
The crews’ combined efforts help maintain and improve operational readiness for all convoy trucks it services.
“The Pit Stop is a comprehensive quality assurance and quality control technical inspection station,” said Johnson. “Our team’s number one mission is to ensure the safe operation of vehicles, armament equipment and communications equipment throughout the convoy. It is our priority to fix any deficiencies on the spot and provide any maintenance support needed for the convoy.”
One of the more frequent CETs to go through the Pit Stop belongs to the 110th Transportation Company, 419th CSSB. The 110th TC is no stranger to the 514th SMC as both units fall under the same battalion at Fort Drum and trained together months before deployment.
“The Pit Stop is a good additional check that ensures if any deficiencies are found, they are corrected prior to a convoy going out,” said Staff Sgt. Brian Weisman, a St. Cloud, Minnesota native, platoon operations noncommissioned officer for 110th TC. “It enables fewer breakdowns during a mission and ensures a successful return.”
Since assuming their mission in Afghanistan, the Pit Stop has inspected more than 130 vehicles supporting multiple convoys before leaving on missions. The Pit Stop crew understands that maintenance in the Army allows units to stay combat ready and is vital to the sustainment mission.