YARD BOSS

The yard boss and the dispatcher work as a team. The yard boss has a key part in the Equipment Management Program by enforcing and providing technical guidance for operator pre- and post-operational checks and maintenance procedures that reduce equipment breakdown. Additionally, the yard boss manages the equipment yard and the vehicles parked in it, establishes and enforces traffic control through the yard, such as stop signs, speed limits, and one-way-traffic flow, and is in charge of yard maintenance and the establishment of parking lines and areas, such as a ready line and awaiting-entry-into-shop line. The yard boss sees and hears the equipment that dispatchers cannot see while sitting behind their desks.

The yard boss is also responsible for cycling equipment in the pool that is not regularly used. Equipment must be maintained in a standby status and cycled on a weekly basis at its rated capacity for its intended use. Cycling exercises and protects equipment from deterioration. Equipment cycling must be documented in a cycle log maintained by the yard boss, documenting the date, USN number, duration of cycle, and deficiencies.

Tool Kit

To provide tools for operator maintenance procedures, the yard boss has a tool kit in the Battalion Table of Allowance for the support of the Yard Boss Program. The Kit 80111 provides the minimum tools and equipment resources necessary to support operator ^{maintenance. For control} and accountability of the tools, the yard boss should have operators sign a log book for the tools checked out. The yard boss must also provide grease guns, valve caps, and light bulbs.

Washrack

As a member of the transportation pool, you maybe assigned as a washrack attendant to assist the yard boss in maintaining washrack operations. The washrack supports the Equipment Management Program by providing means for the daily cleaning of equipment that allows the detection and prevention of major problems.

Thorough cleaning of equipment cannot be accomplished with water alone. A supply of soap, brushes, buckets, serviceable hoses, and a trash can enhance the operation of the washrack.

Preventive Maintenance

The yard boss and the dispatcher must work as a team in order to ensure that equipment due for PM is available and is prepared to be turned in the morning of the scheduled PM due date. This team approach allows the mechanic shop to process and service the equipment on schedule.

When a piece of equipment is due for PM, the yard boss receives a NAVFAC 9-11240/13 (Hard Card) from the dispatcher. The dispatcher has the responsibility of maintaining a Hard Card log book and issuing a Hard Card number for tracking the maintenance of the equipment. The yard boss has the responsibility for ensuring the equipment and attachments are cleaned, lubricated, and processed through collateral equipage.

A recommended flow for PM Hard Cards is to have the yard boss submit two Hard Cards stamped "PM" and initialed by the collateral equipage custodian. The equipment, Hard Card, and cards from the Trouble Reports File for the USN are sent to the mechanic equipment inspector. The mechanic equipment inspector has the responsibility to accept or reject the equipment, depending on cleanliness and lubrication. For equipment that is accepted the yard boss has the mechanic inspector sign receipt of the Hard Cards and retains one for the dispatch records.

Saltwater Operations

Operating on beaches, loading and unloading landing craft units, and participating in amphibious operations often expose CESE to salt water and wet sand. Every effort must be made to minimize equipment operations near salt water. Exposure to saltwater causes premature damage to brake systems, lubrication fluids, bearings, extensive rust, and overall equipment failure.

PREINSPECTION.- Before beach operations, equipment must be thoroughly inspected and prepared. The equipment must be in good operating condition, so the possibility of failure in the water is reduced. The fan disconnect must work and all fording equipment must be watertight and connected correctly. If the equipment does not have a fan disconnect and has to perform operations in the water, loosen or remove the fan belt. If you are unsure, consult the maintenance supervisor for clear directions. Use of water-resistant greases, antiseize, antirust compounds, and application of a light oil spray on the undercarriages will reduce corrosion.

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS.- When equipment must enter the water, enter as slowly as possible to reduce the possibility of radiator damage. When swell and surf actions are present, ensure that the equipment does not become submerged below its high water mark. Take caution when operating at low tides because of the incoming tide.

AFTER OPERATIONS SERVICE.- Immediately after operating CESE in or around salt water, you should clean and wash it thoroughly with fresh water. Ensure that all areas are washed and all accumulations of wet sand are removed. A thorough PM inspection should be performed by the mechanic shop, giving special attention to possible contamination of the gearbox and fluid reservoir lubricants. If salt water is detected, the reservoir and the system must be emptied, flushed, and refilled. A light oil spray on the undercarriages after washing down with fresh water can be used to reduce corrosion.

RECOVERY PROCEDURES.- Immediately after recovering equipment that has been submerged, the following procedures must be taken:

1. Wash and clean the equipment thoroughly with fresh water. Ensure that all the areas are washed and all the sand and the mud are removed.

2. Wash and flush out the engine with an oil and diesel fuel mixture. Remove the spark plugs or fuel injectors and turn the engine over.

3. Wash and flush out all the fluid reservoirs and compartments and replace all the falters.

4. It is extremely important to get the engine running as quickly as possible. If the engine will not start, it must be disassembled as quickly as possible, cleaned, and reassembled. --

NOTE: A common practice in the NCF is that the equipment operator who submerges or buries a piece of equipment supports the recovery, cleaning, and maintenance service of the equipment.