MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Vehicles are highly important during operations and exercises, and it is vital for Marines with the maintenance division of Combat Logistics Company 36 to be capable of repairing any vehicle that needs it.
Maintenance Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 constantly deploy on a variety of training missions and are able to fix a majority of vehicular problems. But for the tough fixes, they rely on the experience and specialized capabilities of CLC-36.
"(MWSS-171) maintains their vehicles up to second echelon, while we handle the third echelon repairs," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aaron T. Isaac, CLC- 36 maintenance officer. "We also help them out with second echelon repairs when their work flow starts getting backed up."
The maintenance Marines of CLC-36 not only repair broken gear, but also focus on preventative maintenance to make sure when they send out a vehicle to the field, it is in top shape and ready for anything.
"First, the motor transportation operators will take a look at the vehicle and see if they can fix small repairs while in the field. These are mostly the first echelon repairs," said Lance Cpl. Douglas A. Rojas, CLC-36 motor transportation mechanic. "Then, if they cannot fix the problem, or they just can't find it, then they will send it up for second echelon repairs."
Second echelon repairs are most often made in the field and will often fix the problem. But when it doesn't work, it is labeled as a third echelon repair and given to the Marines of CLC-36.
"When we get (the vehicles), they usually have some sort of serious problem and need maintenance on critical parts," said Rojas.
The maintenance division at CLC-36 is home to a variety of military occupational specialists, including motor transportation operators, mechanics, and welders along with many others, which gives them the experience and skills to work on a diverse assortment of vehicles and gear.
"Mostly we work on different troop/cargo trucks, (Medium Tactical Vehicles Replacement) or the 7-tons you always see," said Rojas. "We can also fix a bunch of other gear like generators, heavy equipment, and pretty much anything that they send our way."
CLC-36 maintenance division is made up of a diverse group of Marines who all work together, bringing their own specialized training that allows CLC-36 to be a well-oiled and adaptable unit.