Marine Corps Logistics Command Albany, GA -- Marine Depot Maintenance Command received the Robert T. Mason Award for Depot Maintenance Excellence during the 2019 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award banquet and ceremony on Dec. 10, in Spokane, Washington.
The Mason Award for Depot Maintenance Excellence is the highest award for depot-level maintenance in all of the Department of Defense.
Col. Wilfred Rivera, commander, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, accepted the award saying, “MDMC’s success this year was a herculean effort and an enormous accomplishment by the team.”
“Specifically, this award is for superior support by MDMC’s experts on the M777A2 155mm Lightweight Howitzer Program located at Production Plant Barstow, California,” said Trent P. Blalock, deputy commander, MDMC.
MDMC nominated the M777A2 Howitzer Program for the Mason award, citing exceptional performance and numerous process improvements.
During the performance period, the M777A2 program repaired and overhauled 61 howitzers in record time. This remarkable performance played a critical role in supporting Marines providing fire support for the successful liberation of Raqqa, Syria.
Additionally, the M777A2 Program leveraged new technologies and implemented innovative process improvements.
Michael D. Brown, Ordnance Supervisor, PPB spoke about the positive improvements. “As a team we developed a procedure to resolve breech collar corrosion. That procedure will save about $500k annually,” said Brown.
Marine Corps Logistics Command installed metal printers at MDMC’s production plants in Albany, Georgia and Barstow, California in 2018. The M777A2 team wasted no time in leveraging additive manufacturing capabilities to overcome supply part availability gaps. “When we needed parts for the howitzer program, we made them,” continued Brown.
“Throughout the year, there have been dramatic changes,” exclaimed Brown. “All aimed to improve quality, and provide timely support to Marines in the Fleet.”
Beyond mission accomplishment and innovation, the Mason award credits the depot for their quality of life programs.
The Marines and Civilian-Marines of MDMC served tirelessly within the Albany, Georgia and Barstow, California communities supporting wounded warrior programs and volunteering in local STEM initiatives, and educational programs.
Blalock reflected on the award and stated, “This is a great tribute to all of the dedicated men and women of MDMC, and to those that support us each day across the Marine Corps Logistics Command enterprise.”
“This is the fourth time MDMC has won this prestigious award and the only depot to have won more than twice,” added Blalock.
Rivera summarized the significance of the award saying, “Most importantly, it is forth telling to how MARCORLOGCOM is fully aligned with the Commandant’s Planning Guidance and how it is posturing to be a contributor to Force Design and outpace the pacing threat. Ultimately, the quality of MDMC’s work has a direct positive impact on the operational readiness of the Fleet Marine Force,” said Rivera.
The Mason Award is presented annually during the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Symposium, and recognizes one DOD depot for extraordinary achievements, innovative solutions, and improvements in the use of resources.