66 HEM Company

• Origins in the Cold War: The 66th Heavy Equipment Maintenance (HEM) Company was originally activated to support armored and mechanized units during the height of the Cold War, ensuring rapid repair and maintenance of critical vehicles. • Nickname “The Fixers”: The unit earned the nickname “The Fixers” due to their reputation for getting disabled tanks and vehicles back into action faster than any other maintenance company in their division. • Overseas Deployments: The 66 HEM Company has deployed to multiple overseas locations, including Germany and South Korea, as part of NATO and U.S. commitments to allied defense and rapid response capabilities. • Support During Desert Storm: The company played a vital role in Operation Desert Storm by keeping over 90% of their assigned vehicles operational, often working around the clock in harsh desert conditions. • Innovation in Field Repairs: Members of the 66 HEM Company developed a now-standard field repair kit for Bradley Fighting Vehicles, which was adopted Army-wide for its effectiveness in rapid track and engine repairs. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat support, the unit has participated in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina, providing heavy equipment and technical expertise for rebuilding efforts. • Women in Leadership: The 66 HEM Company was among the first maintenance companies to have a female company commander, paving the way for greater gender integration in combat support roles. • Record-Breaking Maintenance: In 2009, the company set a battalion record by completing over 1,000 repairs in a 6-month deployment to Iraq, with a 98% mission-capable rate for their supported units. • Annual “Iron Wrench” Competition: The unit organizes an annual “Iron Wrench” competition, challenging teams to diagnose and repair simulated vehicle faults under time pressure, fostering both skill and camaraderie. • Legacy of Mentorship: Many senior Army maintenance leaders trace their roots to the 66 HEM Company, citing its tough but supportive environment as formative for their careers in military logistics and leadership.