Mechanics turn wrenches to save lives

  • Published
  • By Maj. Robert Couse-Baker
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TIKRIT, Iraq (AFPN) --  Mechanics often talk about vehicle maintenance as if it were life and death. 

For the gun-truck maintainers of the 732nd Logistic Support Squadron, the idea is more than a figure of speech.

The trucks they maintain help provide convoy security, traveling some of the most brutal roads in Iraq. Breakdowns are more than an annoyance.

"Turning wrenches is basically the same here or back home," said Staff Sgt. Mel Perero, a mechanic deployed from Misawa Air Base, Japan. "It's the mission that makes it different here: Every vehicle is a priority. It's got to be right every time."

Sergeant Perero, one of more than a dozen vehicle maintainers and specialists working out of a truck garage at Forward Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit, says the Army has been supportive of the Air Force gun truckers and maintainers. Tech. Sgt. Richard Miller, of Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., agrees with Sergeant Perero.

"If we've got a part and they need it, we give it to them. If  they have a part and we need it, they give it to us. We like the 101st (Airborne Division)," he said. 

Sergeant Miller tracks work orders and orders parts for the fleet of almost 120 Air Force vehicles. The shop's job would be huge even under the best of conditions -- but conditions here are far from the best.

Tech. Sgt. Robert Kline, another mechanic deployed from Misawa, said potholes and improvised exploding device craters take their toll on suspension, steering and tires. And the sand is bad for everything.

"The Iraqi roads are tough and they're especially rough on vehicles," said Master Sgt. Adam Miller, the shop superintendent, also deployed from Misawa.

But not everything is bad. As it worked out, the shop deployed with a near-even blend of youth and experience. Making the most of this mix, Sergeant Miller matched one junior enlisted Airman with one noncommissioned officer.

"It's worked out tremendously -- every time we open a toolbox, we learn something new or re-enforce what we already knew," he said.

One more thing Sergeant  Miller has learned: "The armor works."

On his sixth rotation since 1998, Sergeant  Miller said they have adapted processes to meet changing conditions. For example, the Airmen don't use the Army's system for multi-level maintenance, where units do the small stuff and the heavy repair shops do the big jobs. The Airmen keep every project in-house, from new windshield wipers to new engines. 

"We find it's more efficient if we do it ourselves," he said.

On one major job, Sergeant Perero and protégé, Senior Airman Sean Johnson, of Vandenberg AFB, Calif., installed a new engine in a Humvee. Sergeant Perero showed Airman Johnson some tricks of making the installation look and work as well -- or better -- than a factory job.

Airman Johnson, who previously served in the Army, clearly understands what's on the other side of the wire. "Quality work is very important. People's lives are on the line," he said.

"Back home, one work order just turns in to another. Here, they get to see how they fit in to the organization," Sergeant  Miller said. "This is the best training environment these guys will ever see."