TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -- Nearly half of 13 selected installations across the Army Materiel Command (AMC) have been equipped with Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) capabilities thanks to depot personnel.
The technology provides short-range wireless high-speed data connections between mobile devices and nearby access points, and will be used to facilitate next generation Logistics Modernization Program (LMP) communications.
Depot personnel have completed installations at seven sites, most recently at Red River Army Depot (RRAD), Texarkana, Texas, which wrapped up Friday. Jane Geary, chief of the Information Assurance Division at RRAD, said the upgraded technology will enable personnel there to more efficiently carry out their jobs.
"Extending wireless coverage to additional buildings provides more security, improved coverage and increased speed throughout the depot," she said.
Eight depot technicians were on the ground in early July to begin the install and were ahead of schedule for much of the project, despite a large effort requiring the installation, replacement and troubleshooting of over 450 wireless access points.
Geary commended Tobyhanna's effort and quality of work while working in challenging conditions.
"Since most of the buildings are industrial they are not air conditioned, and temperatures often rose above 100 degrees," she said. "The team was very professional and the quality of their work is excellent, evidenced by finishing three weeks ahead of schedule."
Tobyhanna was fitted with WLAN technology earlier this year and has already realized improved capabilities, with more to come.
"We have seen improved connectivity since the install here in April, specifically in the Industrial Operations Facility (IOF)," said Jude Buckwalter, WLAN project manager. "Personnel in the IOF are now able to go between the facility and storage locations without losing connectivity."
Buckwalter added that tablet PCs will soon be distributed throughout the depot, as early as September, increasing WLAN usage and improve LMP capabilities for anyone on the network.
The six remaining sites scheduled for network upgrades include Watervliet Arsenal, Anniston Army Depot, Sierra Army Depot, Crane Army Ammunition Activity, Pine Bluff Arsenal and Letterkenny Army Depot, which is slated to begin Sept. 9.
Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna's Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C4ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.
Tobyhanna's unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our Joint Warfighters.
About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.
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