CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan --
Communication is a key ingredient in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force’s recipe for success.
Small unit leaders use specialized equipment to keep their commanders informed.
In the III Marine Expeditionary Force, this equipment remains operational because of the efforts of Marines from the Electronic Maintenance Company.
ELMACO, part of 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF, is responsible for maintaining, cleaning, repairing and testing thousands of pieces of equipment.
“When performing preventive maintenance no longer keeps a piece of equipment operating, that’s when we come in,” said Lance Cpl. Nicholas G. McGrath, a ground radio repairman with ELMACO. “Any piece of electronics equipment – radios, telephones, satellite terminals, Cold War era communications, you name it – we fix it.”
In addition, ELMACO Marines are required to serve as a collection and reissue point for all communications equipment on island.
“Basically, our mission is to keep the electronic communications section of the reissue point stocked with the communication supplies the III MEF needs,” said Lance Cpl. Leland P. Sajdak, a ground radio repairman with ELMACO.
Repairmen are separated into four specialized sections of repair which focus on internal, external, old and new equipment.
“ELMACO saves taxpayers a lot of money,” said Sajdak. “Without the ability to maintain the gear we already purchased, we would have to keep buying new gear each time something broke down.”
Through this service, ELMACO Marines ensure commanders remain informed about MEF operations.
“Without us, the Marines might as well string two cups together and speak though that,” said Lance Cpl. Robert M. Camilleri, a ground radio repairman with ELMACO. “It’s a great feeling waking up knowing that we are a vital part of keeping the MEF communicating.”