TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -- A new Communications Security (COMSEC) Forward Repair Activity (FRA) located at Camp Humphreys will provide equipment support for 8th Army units stationed or deployed to the Republic of Korea.
Officials predict the venture will decrease turnaround times for critical equipment and provide expert level support for the Soldier in the field.
Operational capability was originally established at Camp Carroll then recently moved to its current location. Prior to moving, Tobyhanna technicians had already distributed 54 assets through direct exchange, which is a supply method of issuing serviceable materiel in exchange for unserviceable materiel on an item-for-item basis.
In addition to direct exchange, the on-site team is able to offer limited repair services from a custom mobile electronics repair van and two fixed, secure workshops. Unserviceable assets will be returned to Tobyhanna Army Depot for repair.
"Partnering with Tobyhanna has been extremely productive," said Walter Flood, Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) senior command representative in the Far East. "I am truly impressed with and applaud everyone's efforts to expedite this service. This is literally a dream come true."
According to Flood, depot personnel are expected to provide superior service to the warfighter. They will field calls for support, coordinate appointments, provide on-site testing, software upgrades and minimal repair of devices. The mobile van is stocked with tools, test equipment and office supplies.
"We expect a busy shop," said Edward Kraftchisin, explaining that the FRA is set up similar to support shops in other countries. "Military units rotate in and out frequently often with little to no resources available to assist with the turn in or exchange of non-mission capable assets," Kraftchisin is the COMSEC Logistics Support Branch chief.
Kris Martin was called in to assist with establishing the FRA. His responsibilities included keeping track of costs, coordinating with the Defense Logistics Agency for shipments, acting as liaison for various organizations and reporting the status of the project to stakeholders.
"It was exciting to watch it all come together," said the logistics management specialist, adding that the shop was open for business 93 days after the initial request. "An impressive effort by a lot of people. It was their commitment that made it all possible." Martin works in the Production Management Directorate.
Team Tobyhanna, Communications Security Logistics Activity, and Army Materiel Command joined forces to establish the new FRA quickly and efficiently.
"We were able to get into the country and successfully set up shop because of the prep work accomplished before we embarked on our mission," said Eric Walker, electronics mechanic supervisor assigned to the C4ISR Directorate. "Now, it's up to us to educate warfighters on how we can help them with any COMSEC maintenance issues they may run into."
Tobyhanna developed and distributed a standard operating procedures for direct exchange and damaged item turn-in procedures, according to Frank Babarsky, logistics management specialist in the Tactical Radio/COMSEC Division. The guidance stresses the importance of scheduling an appointment for units to make the most of their visits.
Soldiers are ecstatic knowing CECOM has their best interest in mind," Flood said. "The FRA makes it easy allowing Soldiers an expedient means of COMSEC repair. Commanders are extremely appreciative of the capability as the FRA enhances readiness and fosters better accountability."
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 3,200 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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