Navy Welders Support Marines

Maintenance Center Albany recently welcomed 10 welders and a supervisor from Navy facilities throughout the country for temporary help on an important armoring project. The request for help was initiated by Michael T. Madden, Marine Corps Logistics Command executive deputy. The group arrived here Aug. 21 and began the week-long process of getting specially certified for the project by members of the Trades, Quality and Engineering Departments. The project involves upgrading and installing a ballistic protection package on 89 Light Armored Vehicles, or LAV-A2s, after which they will be shipped for use by Marines in Iraq. Many other shops within MCA will be involved in this project as well. The group is from naval shipyards across the country including Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. “The help will ensure that we reach our goal,” said Ron Kinson, MCA metals branch manager. “We are very appreciative of the help these dedicated folks will be providing.” Joe Cox, the welding group’s supervisor, from Norfolk, Va., added, “The team and I are happy to be here and ready to help.” The group will return to their home bases Dec.1. By Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Public Affairs