'Gun Doctor' Keeps Howitzers Firing
(February 27, 2011) |
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| | HIJUDAI TRAINING AREA, Japan, Feb. 24, 2011 – People who
feel under the weather see a doctor. If a dog isn't feeling
well, a visit to the veterinarian is in order. If an M777
howitzer is on the fritz, Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Rivera is
the man to call. |
Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel
Rivera, left, explains troubleshooting
procedures to members of Gun Team 2 in support
of the Artillery Relocation Training Program at
the Hijudai Training Area, Japan, Feb. 8, 2011.
Photo by USMC LCpl. Jovane M. Holland |
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As a second-echelon artillery mechanic with the
3rd Marine Expeditionary Force's 3rd Battalion,
12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division,
Rivera is responsible for troubleshooting
errors, implementing solutions, and supervising
operations to ensure Marines accomplish their
mission.
“It's basically my job to step
in if a misfire occurs or the gun isn't
operating properly,” said Rivera, who has worked
in his field for three years. “I oversee
everything from gun levels and pressure to
suspension, breach movements and recoil
maintenance.”
Marines qualified to
conduct artillery maintenance are categorized
into four echelons, Rivera said.
“The
members of the gun team are the first on the
scene to troubleshoot when there's |
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a problem with the howitzer,” he explained. “If
they can't solve the problem, I step in. If the
damage is beyond my control, the third echelon,
heavy ordnance, is called in. When and if the
repairs are considered too extensive, then the
gun is sent to the fourth echelon, which is
basically a repair shop where full maintenance
can be applied.” |
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To qualify as a second-echelon artillery mechanic, Rivera
attended the two-month artillery technician course in
Aberdeen, Md. The course focused on two main objectives:
taking the M777 howitzer apart, then reassembling it piece
by piece. In the process, Rivera said, he learned the
purpose and importance of each item.
“It's always
easy to take something apart, but when it comes to putting
it back together and having to account for each piece, it's
really tough,” the Jacksonville, Fla., native said.
The
task took about a month and a half to complete, he added.
Rivera is aided in his troubleshooting by a portable
computer that serves as a digital problem-solving companion,
hooking up to the digital fire-control system attached to
the howitzer and providing step-by-step instructions to aid
in maintenance procedures.
However, the computer
can't decipher every malfunction, Rivera said. Sometimes it
comes down to trial and error.
“A majority of the
solutions I use on a daily basis were learned through
on-the-job training,” Rivera said. “Whether or not the
computer can aid me in fixing a gun just depends on the
situation.”
After more than a dozen exercises and
training events, Rivera says he still finds his job
intriguing and relevant.
“Even though I did auto
mechanic work before I came into the Marines, I never
pictured myself working on a weapon this complex and
expensive,” he said. “I feel accomplished knowing that my
assistance ensures missions go smoothly and the goal is
reached every time.”
To the Marines Rivera assists in
the field, he is not a distant repairman who steps in only
when there's a problem, but is a valuable asset and
productive member of their team.
“Even when the gun
is firing perfectly, you can still find Rivera helping load
rounds, run errands, whatever we need,” said Marine Corps
Cpl. Dennis Price, assistant chief of Gun Team 2. “We
consider him just as much a member of the team as anyone
else.”
Rivera recently re-enlisted for his second
term, and said his job not only is an important aspect of
artillery, but also is a non-negotiable asset to the Marine
Corps as a whole.
“Without gun doctors, Marines
wouldn't be able to send rounds downrange if they encounter
a malfunction beyond their expertise,” he said. “Without
rounds pushing out toward the target objective, the howitzer
is just an 8,000-pound paperweight.” | |
Article and photo
By USMC LCpl. Jovane M. Holland
Marine Corps Bases Japan
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2011
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