22 Maintenance 1:18FA support team

• Origins: The 22 Maintenance 1/18FA support team traces its lineage to the original 18th Field Artillery Regiment, activated in the early 20th century to provide artillery support to U.S. Army divisions. • Vietnam Service: Elements of the 1/18 FA, and its support teams, saw extensive action in Vietnam, maintaining and repairing artillery pieces under combat conditions. • "Can-Do Crew": The maintenance team earned the nickname "Can-Do Crew" during Cold War exercises in Germany, after rapidly restoring a disabled M109 howitzer during a critical training scenario. • Desert Storm Operations: During Operation Desert Storm, the 22 Maintenance team was instrumental in keeping the battalion's howitzers operational in harsh desert conditions, achieving a 98% readiness rate. • Innovative Repairs: The team is known for field-expedient repairs, such as fabricating replacement parts out of salvaged materials when official spares were unavailable during deployments. • Training Excellence: 22 Maintenance regularly hosts cross-training with artillery crews, ensuring that all personnel can perform basic troubleshooting and emergency fixes in the field. • Commemorative Patch: The support team designed a unique unit patch featuring a crossed wrench and artillery shell, symbolizing their dual focus on firepower and maintenance. • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat support, the team has participated in disaster relief, using their mechanical skills to restore power generators and essential equipment in hurricane-affected areas. • Record-Breaking Recovery: The team once set a battalion record by completely overhauling a howitzer in less than six hours during a live-fire exercise. • Legacy of Mentorship: Many senior Army maintenance leaders began their careers with the 22 Maintenance 1/18FA team, citing its strong mentorship culture and emphasis on technical excellence.