TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -Critical communications assets are being overhauled here as part of a $4.4 million dollar repair and return program.
Tobyhanna employees will repair thousands of Vehicle Intercommunications System (VIS) components through December. Technicians completely disassemble the five-part units, send components to support shops, make any necessary repairs, and test them.
In March, Tactical Radio Branch electronic workers and technicians shipped more than 4,200 units to the customer. There are 35 people working three shifts to produce an average of 750 units each month.
The system's five parts include monitor only stations, radio interface terminals, full-function crew stations, master control stations and loudspeakers. The Tactical Radio Branch is part of the Communications Systems Directorate's Tactical Communications Division.
The VIS and its subassemblies provide multiple communications links to crew members in various ground combat vehicles and aircraft.
The system delivers clear, noise-free communications between crew members over multiple combat net radios. Its comprehensive features include the capability to distribute digital data, voice-activated switching for hands-free operation, a redundant architecture to mitigate battle damage, active noise reduction and a built-in test capability.
The VIS is used in conjunction with and in support of Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS).
"Everyone is doing a great job keeping up with customer expectations," said Howard Albrecht, work leader.
Albrecht explained that the process includes cleaning each item, performing an operational test and then sending it to the paint shop. Items returned from the paint shop are tested before a final inspection and then shipped to the customer.
The depot plans to expend approximately 35,640 man hours on the VIS repair and return program.
"It feels good to work on a project of this magnitude," said Joseph Lewis, electronics technician, noting that he gets to work on all five components.
"This is a communications tool used every day by Soldiers. I'm happy to do anything I can to support the warfighter."
Lewis said he visually inspects each item, performs pretests to make sure the assets are operational and replaces damaged connectors or boards when necessary.
Employees claimed there's a lot of job satisfaction knowing the work they do here will provide communications assets to Soldiers in the field.
"It's very important work we're doing supporting the warfighter," said John Musheno, electronics worker. "The job is challenging, but it's great to know that we're able to supply communications assets that work when they need them."
Tobyhanna Army Depot is the Defense DepartmentAca,!a,,cs largest center for the repair, overhaul and fabrication of a wide variety of electronics systems and components, from tactical field radios to the ground terminals for the defense satellite communications network. TobyhannaAca,!a,,cs missions support all branches of the Armed Forces.
About 5,600 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 CECOM Life Cycle Management Command. Headquartered at Fort Monmouth, N.J., the commandAca,!a,,cs 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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