BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
As the nation’s combat logistics support agency, the Defense Logistics Agency is responsible for operating in locations all over the world in support of the warfighter. To be agile and support the need, DLA Disposition Services must maintain full operability and if necessary, use non-traditional methods.
The DLA Disposition Services site in Qatar identified an unserviceable commercial rough terrain container handler for disposal, but due to its extreme size and weight were unable to move the piece of equipment to the disposal site for processing.
“No cranes on the base had this type of lift capacity,” said Jhunar Medenilla, the acting site lead for Qatar. “Due to the weight of the RTCH, the best option was to execute cutting operations in place – and cut this into manageable and transportable pieces for removal.”
Medenilla shared that the Qatar site does not typically see equipment this large – as the RTCH weighed in at over 160,000 lbs. – so the site put together a mobile team to dispose of the equipment.
“Large material handling equipment are occasional turn-ins but excellent removal weight for the site,” Medenilla said. “Safety and transportability are the key factors used to determine a mobile cutting team.”
Facing multiple challenges – including maintaining a safe operation – the mobile team consisted of four cutters, two laborers and two material handling equipment operators.
“The most challenging part was coordinating the cutting operations,” Medenilla said. “Ensuring proper safety measures where followed and oversight was present for the entire operation.”
Medenilla and his team were able to complete the project in four days with DLA personnel rather than having to contract the work to an outside agency.