Armor Airmen helping save lives

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  Not many people can say their work saves lives everyday. But Airmen at “Big Bob's” Add-on Armor Shop can.

The 49 Airmen of the 732nd Expeditionary Logistic Readiness Squadron’s shop strip down heavy equipment and tactical vehicles and rebuilding them stronger.
The shop got its name from the Army colonel -- named Bob -- who was instrumental in setting up the shop.

"We provide add-on armor support for most of central and northern Iraq," shop manager Chief Master Sgt. Tim Stern said.

Airmen working at Big Bob's install level-two armor on convoy vehicles used by Airmen, Soldiers and Marines. So far on this rotation, the Airmen have re-armored more than 155 vehicles.

"The armor we're pulling off the trucks that come in here is far thinner than the pre-made kits we're installing," said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Arnett, a shop technician.

The fit of the new armor is much better and the glass vehicle in the new kit is four inches thicker than the original.

Upgrades to vehicle armor can be time consuming. Depending on the type of vehicle, the re-armor job can take from 65 to 120 hours, said Tech. Sgt. John Conner, an assistant NCO in charge of one of the work shifts.

The Airmen in the shop take a great deal of pride knowing their work helps others remain safe.

"Knowing that we saved three more lives every time a truck goes out the door is very rewarding," Sergeant Arnett said.

Sergeant Conner said, "What we are doing here allows one more son or daughter, father or mother the protection they need to make it home."

The hard work and accomplishments of Big Bob’s troops has not gone unnoticed.

"I couldn't be prouder of the troops I have on this rotation," Chief Stern said. "The work accomplished here has saved -- and will continue to save -- lives of Soldiers, Marines and Airmen operating outside the wire in Iraq."