Marine Corps Logistics Command Albany, GA -- Marines, Civilian-Marines and contractors gathered to celebrate a significant milestone for Marine Depot Maintenance Command and the Buffalo program, Sept. 26 at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia.
“This is important because this gives the capability back to the Fleet Marine Force,” said Col. Wilfred Rivera the commander of Marine Depot Maintenance Command.
“The vehicles are critical to safety, especially for Marines in Afghanistan and Iraq, these improvements were made to keep them safe.”
Since the program inception in 2009, MDMC has worked closely with forward deployed Marines, Marine Corps Logistics Command and Marine Corps Systems Command to provide engineering, production, and integration support for the program. Many people working in the program traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan to understand and support the needs of keeping Marines safe while operating the vehicle.
Over the past 10 years, MDMC and its workforce processed a multitude of revisions that have improved the survivability of the vehicle and crew. In record time they were able to maintain, test, proof, and develop the Buffalo based on the emergent needs of Marines operating the Buffalo in combat.
Lulu Rodriguez-King, project officer for MARCORSYSCOM reflected on the cooperative effort taken to complete the latest modifications. “It has taken different moving parts that include the workers, fleet, MARCORLOGCOM and the production plant in Albany, all working together. Our vendors also worked hard moving pieces and stepping up with every request that was made,” added Rodriguez-King
Rivera praised the efforts of the depot workforce noting the quality and prompt execution of modifications saying, “Our skilled artisans, coupled with their constant communication with program partners, provided the standardization the Buffalo needed, making MDMC the “go-to” depot to perform upgrades for the Buffalo.”
During the final stages, MDMC engineers were working hard to modernize and improve the vehicle so that it would be completely updated and ready to use overseas.
When asked about the future, Rivera explained that MDMC will be working hard with its Marines, Civilian-Marines, and community to modernize the maintenance processes as a whole to include robotics, virtual reality, hand-held electronic devices, additive manufacturing, and 3D modeling.
“Using the commandant’s planning guidance and force design efforts, we will continue to transform our depot to be relevant and postured for the continued support of the Fleet Marine Force.” said Rivera.