Govt. Vehicle needs work? Dugway shop can fix or maintain

By Al Vogel (ATEC)April 26, 2016

Dugway auto maintenance shop
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Chris Gott (left) and Gerald Beaird enjoy the benefits of the new 9,000 pound capacity hydraulic lift recently installed in the government vehicle shop in Ditto. Both mechanics have much experience, and can work on everything from golf carts to semis... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Dugway auto maintenance shop
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Jereme Rice, lead maintenance mechanic, can also inspect vehicles and trailers before turning in to the DRMO at Hill Air Force Base. Here, he scrutinizes a cracked windshield on a turned-in fire engine. Photo by Al Vogel, Dugway Public Affairs. ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah -- A shop in the Ditto area of Dugway Proving Ground offers minor repair and maintenance services for government and GSA vehicles, and plans to expand its services even more.

After being awarded a contract, Anchorage-based Chenega Corporation opened a non-tactical vehicle shop in Building 4218, at the corner of First and C Streets, in a former battery shop. There was little in the large building when opened July 1, 2015, but purchasing, scrounging and donations of unused government equipment from other offices have filled the shop and expanded its capabilities.

"A lot have pitched in to help us get what we need," said Jereme Rice, lead maintenance mechanic. Rice is also a technical inspector for vehicles and trailers prior to turn-in to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) at Hill Air Force Base.

Chris Gott and Gerald Beaird, mechanics with a wealth of experience, work with Rice.

The shop only works on government vehicles and trailers. Contracting and military tactical vehicles and trailers are still maintained and repaired at the motor pool at Building 4357, in Ditto's southwest corner.

Government tires may be repaired or replacements ordered. Tires for GSA vehicles may be repaired, but replacements cannot be ordered. Mobile service for minor repairs in the field is available. Other services include oil and lubrication, minor repairs, scheduled maintenance, electrical diagnostic and repair, wiper replacement, air conditioner recharging, headlight replacement and adjustment, fluid top-offs, and bulb and fuse replacement.

The shop cannot do body work, painting, work on vehicles exceeding five tons, or work outside the shop bays.

Since opening eight months ago, the shop has worked on well over 100 vehicles, said Phil Tomac, acting contractor representative and director of Logistics Readiness.

A new 9,000-pound capacity hoist was recently installed in the shop's 150-foot by 50-foot bay. Mechanic bays are accessed by six roll-up doors 10X10 feet, and two doors 14 feet high and 12 feet wide. A large parking area behind the shop accommodates up to semitrailers.

"We can work on everything from golf carts to semis," Rice said, adding that they soon hope to get a lift for working on ATVs.

"We're just about at 100 percent on everything we asked for since we got the contract and started here," said Steve Reynolds, quality assurance safety manager for Chenega Corp.