MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY -- A restored amphibious assault vehicle and a Humvee arrived at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, its final home, Aug. 18.
Workers at Marine Depot Maintenance Command began restoring the AAV and Humvee to its original condition for the NMMC in 2014.
Jody Nesbitt, project officer, Military Vehicle Restoration, MDMC, oversaw the restoration project.
“Once completed, the vehicles were stored aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany until the museum was prepared to receive them,” Nesbitt said.
However, on Jan. 22, 2017, an EF3 tornado touched down aboard the base, severely damaging the building in which the vehicles were stored.
"After the debris from the damaged building was safely removed, the vehicles were brought back to MDMC for inspection," he added. "The damages were noted and sent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps officials for review."
According to Nesbitt, the damaged items were repaired, completely repainted and stenciled in and the period correct camouflage pattern was applied.
"Within a few weeks, we were able to return the artifacts to their original restored condition," he said.
Kater Miller, assistant ordnance curator, NMMC, received the restored vehicles Aug. 19.
"We are really happy to have a Marine Corps organization that is as dedicated to providing top quality restoration work (as MDMC is)," Miller said. "You can see the pride and craftsmanship that went into preparing our artifacts (to ensure they are) ready for display in our new Final Phase Galleries."