ANNVILLE, Pa. –
Urgent depot-level repairs needed by the Pennsylvania National Guard 28th Infantry Division warranted Tobyhanna Army Depot make a trip to Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA during the first week of March.
Four technicians worked with soldiers from across three brigades to repair, troubleshoot and test 14 Satellite Transportable Terminals (STT) with the goal of having as many functional systems as possible by the end of the week, using the Divisions spare equipment.
Team Tobyhanna provides comprehensive services, such as this, at sites around the world.
A total of 12 systems were repaired throughout the week. The systems were prioritized based on upcoming operational missions. Some systems were required for overseas deployments immediately while others are needed for Joint Overseas Training events in Europe by the end of the month. The remaining systems were assessed to identify parts the unit would need to order and install at a later date.
By having agile teams to support units with urgent needs, Team Tobyhanna is effectively driving readiness to the field by keeping the fleet fully mission capable.
"We've been attempting to pull this off for a while; but with our missions developing overseas, these STTs needed to get taken care of right now," said Maj. Jeremy Coleman, State Surface Maintenance Manager and Commander of the 328th Brigade Support Battalion at Fort Indiantown Gap.
During missions like these, Tobyhanna technicians also have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the soldiers. As they work with them to repair the systems, they develop skill sets that can be transferred to the field, which can help to extend the period before the system will need this level of repair again.
"The team always enjoys missions like this. We get to directly affect the units C4ISR readiness and prepare them for their upcoming missions," said Tony Brandi, Electronics Mechanic supervisor of the Tactical Satellite Communications branch. He also noted that this mission was particularly special to him because he was assigned to this Division for 11 years before retiring in 2016.
Going forward, Tobyhanna Army Depot plans to continue supporting urgent depot level repairs, ensuring units and systems are postured for current and future operational missions.
Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna's Corporate Philosophy, dedicated workforce, and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C4ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.
Tobyhanna's unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales, and global field support to our Joint Warfighters. About 3,200 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania.
Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.
Editor's note: The original story can be viewed on the Tobyhanna Army Depot website.