An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Airmen in Afghanistan welcome new MRAPs

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan --  Airmen operating "outside the wire" in Afghanistan now have more protection from roadside bombs. The first mission-ready mine-resistance ambush-protected vehicles, or MRAPs, were delivered to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing units recently.

The armor-plated MRAP vehicles are designed with raised V-shaped hulls to deflect blasts from roadside bombs. The 455th AEW's first MRAPs are Category One types - smaller and lighter vehicles designed for urban operations.

A lot goes in to getting these vehicles from the manufacturer to units in the field. From the manufacturer, the MRAPs are delivered to another factory in South Carolina where government-furnished equipment is installed. Next the vehicles are transported by air or ship to locations in Southwest Asia. From there, they are delivered to various bases where field service representatives from the manufacturer and vehicle maintenance members bring the MRAP to full mission-capable status.

"The greatest benefit of these vehicles versus your standard humvee, it's really in the name - mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle - it provides great security and keeps our warfighters safe while they are fighting the war on terror," said Capt. David Duke, 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron operations officer, who helped manage the logistical process.

With the MRAPs in position, the Airmen slated to take them on missions received some driver's training, a four-day course taught by the vehicle manufacturers. In it, Airmen learn about all the aspects of the vehicle and how to operate the equipment. The course culminates in a road test where each Airman gets his or her turn behind the wheel.
"It was great for cops," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Lezala, deployed from the 128th Security Forces Squadron, Wisconsin Air National Guard. "We usually get a down and dirty class, but this class was very thorough. There was ample time for training in the vehicles and making sure we knew what we are doing."

With the new MRAPs and driver's training, Airmen in Afghanistan are ready to hit the road and accomplish their mission, knowing they are better protected.

"I feel a lot better going out in one of these," added Sergeant Lezala. "They are really going to help us accomplish our mission in a safer manner."