MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Combat Service Support Detachment 36 was awarded a Certificate of Commendation Nov. 22 for superior performance in the execution of its duties providing maintenance and supply support.
The Supply and Maintenance Material Readiness Account of the Year award was signed by Gen. Willie J. Williams, 3d Force Service Support Group commanding general, for the outstanding logistics support CSSD-36 Marines provided from Oct. 1, 2001, to Sept. 30, 2002.
The 80 Marines of CSSD-36 play a vital role in keeping Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 and Marine Air Control Squadron 4 mission ready. The unit is divided into several sections including Motor Transport, Utilities and Heavy Equipment where mechanics spend their day tearing apart gear to find and diagnose problems.
"We pay attention to detail and make sure things are done right the first time," said Cpl. Collin White, CSSD-36 utilities mechanic noncommissioned officer-in-charge.
The Marines of the Maintenance Shop then relay that information to the Supply Office, where supply clerks check the unit's inventory for parts. If the parts are not in stock, the clerks call other bases in Japan and if necessary, around the world.
"The supply Marines know that when we've got a part to find everything else is put on the back burner," said Sgt. Christopher Gion, CSSD-36 supply clerk.
Once the requested parts are received, the mechanics can then do whatever it takes to get the machine running and back out to the Marines who need it.
"We put in a lot of late hours, but we all work as a team, and that's important in getting the mission at hand done," said Sgt. Adam Beck, CSSD-36 Maintenance Shop floor chief.
Through teamwork and selfless hours, CSSD-36 has proven to be an invaluable resource to the Station.
"This is the first year an award like this has ever been given to anyone. The Marines focus on being consistent and proficient, and that makes all the difference," said Chief Warrant Officer James Kemp, maintenance officer.