Metal Shop works to protect brothers
FALLUJAH, Iraq (April 22, 2007) -- Sparks fly as the flame from a blow torch slices through the material with ease. It’s not obvious yet, but this sheet of metal will soon be used to stop bullets and shrapnel from injuring or killing coalition forces.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/200742753139
April 22, 2007; Submitted on: 04/27/2007 05:31:39 AM ; Story ID#: 200742753139
By Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Griffith, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
Marines at the Metal Shop, Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), save the lives of their brothers-in-arms in a different way than most.
These Marines come up with innovative new ways to protect other Marines by using the equipment and materials only they have.
“We make anything out of metal,” said Cpl. Adam S. Achterberg, a machinist and Wausau, Wis., native with the shop, pointing to a hand-crafted component on a nearby air compressor.
“We’re the MacGyver for metal,” he said referring to the television show of the same name. Except they deal with more than just paperclips.
"We can fabricate and repair just about anything that has to do with metal," said Sgt. Carlos A. Lemus, the shop’s noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "Anything from a little crack to up-armoring vehicles."
Personnel in the area come to these Marines with their requests for specially designed fabrications they need in a hurry.
“To modify a piece of gear to best suit the purpose, you can’t wait for someone to manufacture it,” said Lemus. “It would take so long to get made and mailed from a manufacturer, when we can do it in a matter of days.”
The Metal Shop has both machinists and welders working together to meet the needs of Regimental Combat Team 6 and Marines throughout the Fallujah area.
"Even though we're two different (military occupational specialties), we basically go hand-in-hand," said Lemus, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native. "Our mission here is to provide and fabricate whatever is needed to assist the mission of RCT-6.”
Although not every Marine goes on combat missions or participates in operations, Cpl. Rogelio R. Quintero, a welder with the shop, said they are all just as important.
“Every MOS makes a difference out here. They’re all necessary,” said the Calexico, Calif., native.
Quintero said although he doesn’t leave Fallujah, his job is a very gratifying one.
“It feels pretty good to know you’re helping,” he said. “(Marines) come in and ask for things and two days later come in to thank you personally, because they got hit and what you did saved them.”
Some of the recent projects the shop has taken up include brainstorming ideas for machine gun turrets and other modifications on existing gear. One such product is a more enclosed turret, which makes use of ballistic glass to stop sniper fire and shrapnel.
“It’s all so the life expectancy of a gunner will be that much higher,” Lemus added.
Lemus also said anyone outside the camp can depend on them to continue their high quality of work for the entirety of the deployment.
"Whatever it is someone needs, we try to get them the best quality product," he said. "We take pride in our work. If it comes from here, it's going to be of a high quality. We're giving people outside the wire a better chance of survival. There's not one person in this shop that isn't thinking about that."