USS BATTAN – Motor transport maintenance Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, are responsible for keeping tactical vehicles ready for any contingency the 22nd MEU may encounter while deployed.
Motor transport mechanics with CLB-22 performed critical repairs on tactical vehicles aboard USS Bataan in an effort to maintain operational readiness, May 5.
The Marines replaced complex wheel components while working in confined areas with low-lighting on the ship. Together, they safely lifted the trucks, removed wheels and worked on the vehicles’ intricate assemblies to make necessary adjustments.
“This right here is corrective maintenance,” said Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Phass, 20, a motor transport mechanic, and Baltimore native with CLB-22’s maintenance platoon.
Phass said seals inside the wheel hubs needed to be replaced, making the recent maintenance evolution necessary.
“We are doing this so the tires can inflate and deflate without any difficulty,” he said, while assisting with the repair.
The 7-ton trucks provide the 22nd MEU with a troop, equipment and cargo transportation capabilities essential to any mission the Marines and sailors may support while deployed. The mechanics with CLB-22 are specially trained to perform corrective and preventative maintenance on various tactical vehicles in the 22nd MEU’s extensive motorized arsenal.
The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, commanded by Col. Eric J. Steidl and comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat CLB 22; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.
Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps’ smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response to a hostile environment or crisis.