LRC radio technicians attend Falcon III, JEM training

Published April 12, 2013
By Alex House
Logistics Readiness Center

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Army Sustainment Command, Logistics Readiness Center, here, has a new capability which will close the gap between this LRC and other repair sources.

LRC technicians can add AN/PRC-148 and AN/PRC-152 to their list of capabilities with the introduction and popularity of the Joint Tactical Radio System-Enhanced Multiband Radio (JEM) across the sphere of the war-fighter's arsenal.

LRC technicians have recently completed Harris Falcon III and Thales JEM level 3 repair training. Multiband inter/intra team radio systems, such as these, provide ground-to-ground, ground-to-air and satellite communications. The JEM is an evolution of the battle-proven MBITR that consists of improved security, is capable of hosting future waveforms and offers access to higher data throughput and networking capabilities.

The LRC team can diagnose, identify internal faults, make repairs, update/upgrade software and pressure tests these hi-tech radios.

"We are certified by Thales to use our new shark tank pressurization system to ensure all repairs are watertight," said Pete McKenney, LRC radio technician. "The radio is sealed and pressurized to simulate the water depth rating of each radio ... either two or 20 meters, no one else around here can do that."

All LRC technicians have been manufacturer trained and certified. Some technicians were additionally sent to be factory trained by Harris RF Communications at their Rochester, N.Y., facility. The technicians are authorized to do level 3 repairs due to the LRC's advanced capability and training. Therefore, they can make repairs to Harris and Thales radios without voiding the warranty.

Future operations of the LRC will allow technicians to leave the fixed facility and perform the same high-level maintenance in an Enhanced Mobile Shop. The LRC radio technicians have a mobile test set giving them the added capability of performing on-site repairs to the AN/PRC-148 Thales JEM.

"There has been standardization across the Department of Defense recently so we now have the capability to service and maintain electronic and communication equipment to all branches of the armed services and federal agencies," said Lamont Shipman communications and electronics shop supervisor.

The LRC Supply and Maintenance Division communications and electronics shop has already been successfully demonstrating their proficiency on AN/PRC-150, AN/PRC-117F and AN/VCR-110 joint tactical radio systems for predeployment training, unit provided training equipment, mobilizing and de-mobilizing units. Repair and service specialties include but are not limited to: tactical and commercial radios, single channel ground and airborne radio systems, intercom (vis-3) systems, headsets, alarm and notification devices, night vision devices, communication security embedded equipment and remote electronic target systems.

"The new MRAPs have very complex systems and sub-systems, but with our highly trained radio technicians, MRAP-U certified vehicle maintenance team and group of talented weapons experts, we can repair any fault to help our Soldiers shoot, move and communicate," said Joe Rushing, LRC maintenance operations chief.

The LRC Supply and Maintenance Division is located at 8411 Range Road.

Contact Tom Fiori, LRC quality branch chief, at 562-1006 with any questions or to schedule a visit.

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