Marines

Photo Information

Gunnery Sgt. Alex Brown, facility advisor for the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, listens to advice from Craig Hulse, Auto Hobby Skills Center floor mechanic, about his shocks at the Auto Hobby Skills Center on Sept. 6. Brown has brought a number of his vehicles to the shop to work on.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tabitha Bartley

Auto Hobby Skills Center saves money

6 Sep 2012 | Lance Cpl. Tabitha Bartley Marine Corps Base Quantico

The Auto Hobby Skills Center provides a fully equipped and manned shop to all service members, dependents and DOD employees to do automotive projects and repairs themselves.

“We have everything done here from oil changes to engine swaps,” said Jeff Weaver, the Auto Hobby Skills manager. “We have people of all skill levels come in to work on their vehicles.”

The center is equipped with seven modern auto hydraulic lifts and six flat stalls, each with its own set of tools it is open Wednesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“A lot of these guys are away from home,” said Gunnery Sgt. Alex Brown, facility advisor for the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, “so they don’t have all their tools, or the abilities to do some of the things they would do back at home.  The center gives them that.”

The center doesn’t just offer the tools to get the job done, but also the assistance of a certified mechanic.

“I came in here not knowing how to do much,” said Brown. “But they have been willing to teach me, answer my questions and share their knowledge.”

There are also staff-performed services available by appointment made 24 hours in advance, preventive maintenance classes, holiday pre-inspections and brake diagnosis class.

“The only reason we have a job is because of the people who use the facility,” said Weaver. “Our main goal is safety and making sure everyone gets where they are going and makes it back safe.”

For information and to get a complete list of prices, visit www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org/index.cfm/recreation/auto-hobby-skills-center.


Marine Corps Base Quantico