Op ACRES LIGHTFOOT

Operations

Op ACES LIGHTFOOT – My First Deployment to SEF(G), Germany

Scribe: Cfn Rhodes, 10 Armd Coy, 4 Armd CS Bn REME

Iwas deployed to Mönchengladbach, Germany on Op ACES LIGHTFOOT for one month as a part of a team restoring the CVR(T)s and WARRIORs held within the Stored Operational Fleet (G). The task was vital to complete in a timely fashion and to the highest of standards, because after restoration the CVR(T)s were sent eastwards Gifted in Kind (GiK) to Ukraine in a matter of weeks. We worked on a rota of 12-hour work shifts, 6 days a week, to ensure we accomplished our task.

We began by inspecting 16 CVR(T)s and 15 WARRIORs. This process involved identifying faults, diagnosing them, and later fitting the replacement parts. I was a part of the CVR(T) crew and the majority of our time was spent fitting fire extinguishers, thermostats and gearboxes. A memorable mechanical problem came from fitting gearboxes as the quill shafts would not align to the shims on the front of the gearbox. This difficulty resulted in the team Cfn Tucker and Cfn Dennie lifting a having to restart the task a few CV8 Power Pack into the WARRIOR times before finally succeeding. We ran into another issue when fitting a new starter motor to a CVR(T). part, the vehicle started up without fault. After a few attempts to start the engine, it was identified that the I have learnt a great deal from my first deployment to Germany. I starter motor was failing to function. was able to develop my trade with the bonus of experiencing a little

After a thorough inspection my team and I diagnosed the fault to of Mönchengladbach and surrounding area. The highlight being originate from two of the teeth on the shaft snapping, preventing attending a Borussia Mönchengladbach football match at the correct contact with the flywheel. Once we replaced the damaged stadium which was nearby.

SSgt Chiwaye and Cpl Lund repairing the RARDEN weapon system

Cfn Nagra inspecting the inside of a Bulldog Cfn Dennie inside the WARRIOR Driver’s hatch