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Mechanics: Unsung Heroes Keep Marines In The Fight
(June 8, 2011) | 
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (5/31/2011) – Numerous convoys over both
the harsh Afghan terrain and the improvised explosive devices, commonly
used by insurgents, can damage even the biggest and toughest vehicles in
the Marine Corps. |
Lance Cpl. Allen J. Landry (left), from Princeton, W. Va., Cpl. William A. Fourd (background), from Pine Ridge Reservation, S.D., and Cpl. Christopher W. Schell (right), from Port Saint Joe, Fla., motor transportation mechanics with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), place the differential of a logistical vehicle system replacement on a hydraulic jack prior to installing it in a truck May 31, 2011, aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. Since arriving in January, the Marines increased the unit's operational readiness capability from 76 percent to 91 percent. |
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Since their arrival in Afghanistan, the Marines with Combat
Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward)
conducted 426 missions covering countless miles, often through open
desert. Despite the operational tempo, the battalion's mechanics
increased the unit's operational capability from 76 percent to 91
percent in just a few short months.
“We specialize in combat
damaged vehicles. In [Support] company we have ordnance,
communications and heavy equipment maintenance platoons,” explained
Staff Sgt. Amy J. Bory, from Calumet, Mich., the motor
transportation maintenance chief with CLB-8, 2nd MLG (Fwd.). “We do
everything. We assess the damages, disassemble the trucks, we order
the pieces we need to replace, then we put it all back together and
send them back to their units."
These dedicated mechanics,
work day in |
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and day out so Marines receive vehicles they can rely on to conduct
their missions. |
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“We have everything necessary to restore any piece of equipment out here
from top to bottom,” Bory explained. “We are responsible for providing
most infantry units at the different [forward operating bases and combat
outpost] especially [Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division
(Fwd.)] with maintenance support.”
Convoys are the most common
and practical way to resupply smaller bases throughout the area of
operation, but the trucks are relied on for more than just transporting
supplies, they save lives.
“I think about the Marines operating the
trucks every time I am at the shop,” said Cpl. Richard W. Walters, from
Las Vegas, a motor transportation mechanic with CLB-8. “If they have to
get outside their trucks to fix something, exposing themselves, I feel
that I've failed them.
“Without us, the other units we support
wouldn't be able to move,” Walters said. “Motor transportation can't
move without maintenance, and you can't supply or protect anybody unless
your trucks are running.”
A fully operational truck is priceless
to the Marines conducting operations throughout Afghanistan in support
of International Security Assistance Force operations. The mechanics
from CLB-8 ensure the Marines and sailors can count on reliable vehicles
when they need them. | |
Article and photo by USMC LCpl. Bruno J. Bego
2nd Marine Logistics Group
Copyright 2011
Provided
through DVIDS
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