Air Force Add-on Armor [Image 3 of 7]

BALAD, IRAQ

01.13.2006

Photo by Lance Cheung 

United States Air Forces Central           

Balad Air Base, Iraq (AFPN) - One bolt at a time, old parts come off and new Add on Armor (AOA) kits are installed on a variety of medium duty tactical trucks. The add-on-armor kit is a permanent modification. This will include new cabs (left), air ride seats (center in bag) and air conditioning since the combat convoys make few if any stops and protective windows are kept shut in the 100+ degrees in the summer. The armor provides the driver and gunner added protection against weapons fire and IED explosions. The U.S. Air Force's 732 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, Balad Air Base, Iraq is comprised of active duty and reserve component vehicle maintenance technicians who support the Army Field Support Battalion- Iraq. The installation of the Level II AOA kits provides a high degree of protection to the troops operating outside the wire. Survivors of improvised explosive device explosions, often e-mail the unit to give their thanks for them doing such a great armor installation job. This, the final phase of the AF mission, will end with the turnover to contractors in late January 2006. To date the Air Force AoA mission has fielded more than 1,300. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)

• Date Taken: 01.13.2006
• Date Posted: 04.03.2006 14:46
• Photo ID: 17757
• Resolution: 3000x1993
• Size: 867.67 KB
• Location: BALAD, IQ