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Defence News - United States
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| Tuesday, January
1, 2013, 03:06 PM |
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| U.S
Army Field Support Brigade completes M1114 Humvee transfer to Afghan National
Army. |
A
historic mission for the 401st Army Field Support Brigade of U.S. Army
came to an end, Nov. 12, when AFSBn-Bagram issued 49 M1114
vehicles to the Afghan National Army, under a Foreign Military Sales case.
The 49 vehicles were the last of more than 950 vehicles that were involved
in the program that lasted about two and one-half years.
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Michael A. Fiame, 401st AFSB equipment specialist, talks to Afghan National
Army Lt. Col. Ibrahim Wardak, liaison officer, as Wardak exits one of
final 49 M1114
vehicles being issued under a Foreign Military Sales Case, Nov. 12, 2012.
(Photo Credit: Robbin Duuck)
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Before the vehicles were
turned over to the ANA, they were completely checked and restored to
a fully mission capable status at AFSBn-Bagram and Camp Lindsey near
Kandahar. In some cases, the vehicle was practically rebuilt from the
ground up, while other vehicles required only minor repair and refurbishment.
"Almost every component
[of the vehicle] was touched," said Michael A. Fiame, 401st AFSB
equipment specialist. "The suspension, tires, whatever was needed."
For approximately one year, AFSBn-BAF conducted a maintenance mentorship
program in which Afghan soldiers worked alongside battalion mechanics
to learn more about the vehicles and improve their proficiency in maintaining
them. They worked on the very vehicles that were turned over to the
ANA under the sales case.
"The M1114
transfer was an opportunity for me to see first-hand why I volunteered
to come to Afghanistan," said Tarracne C. Fortner, AFSBn-Bagram
support operations. "Working with Lieutenant Colonel Wardak was
my first experience working with an Afghan military professional. I'm
glad I was afforded that opportunity."
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