Exchange IT Team Heads Down Under to Support Robertson Barracks Exchange
The Pacific Region IT team headed down under this summer to assist in upgrades at one of the Exchange’s most unique locations—Robertson Barracks in Darwin, Australia.
The Robertson Barracks Exchange, which opened in 2016, is unique in that it is fully staffed by Marines. It consists of a small troop store along with a small store at a maintenance hangar.
The Exchange operates year-round and mainly supports more than 2,500 Marines who deploy to Robertson Barracks between the April and September “dry season” for combat readiness exercises with Australian forces and other regional allies.
Exchange Field Technical Supervisor Vicente Villegas troubleshoots issues at Robertson Barracks’ Matilda Lines Remote Store with SSgt. Michael Hamilton.
“These Marines are fully dedicated in their mission to provide quality merchandise and services to support service members here in Australia,” said Okinawa Exchange Retail Business Manager Danny Cawood. “They truly embody the family serving family core value by connecting with their customers and fellow service members regardless of branch of service.
“Most customers stop by the store multiple times throughout the day, and you can instantly see their smiles and a sense of morale boost. Whether you are getting a drink and snack to start your day or just stopping by just to say hello, the Marines are there for you and will brighten your day.”
The location supplies Marines stationed at Robertson Barracks with snacks, drinks, household goods, tactical gear, power converters for Australian outlets and more.
Installation of new equipment, on-site IT support and surveys for future projects were conducted by IT Pacific Field Support Manager Shinobu Agarie, Field Technical Supervisor Vicente Villegas, End User Computer Technician Bryan Mejares, Pacific Region Staff Food Safety Officer CW4 Chief Jeffery Mitchell and Cawood.
Exchange IT Pacific Field Support Manager Shinobu Agarie and Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Cosbey (MCE 24.2 MRF-D MCCS SNCOIC) modify an existing store counter to accommodate new register equipment.
“Being able to physically see how the store is operated and physically getting hands-on with the equipment will truly help with future IT troubleshooting,” Mejares said. “Marines who operate Robertson Barracks are not normally accustomed to Exchange equipment, so we do our best to guide them remotely either by phone, email or chat.”
Upgrades, including new registers and guest Wi-Fi, will improve the experience both for Marines running the stores as well as shoppers.
“We have a great partnership at Robertson Barracks with the Exchange and Marine Corps,” Chief Mitchell said. “The MCCS MOS Marines understand the retail business and operations and have the same mission to serve Marines and service members. It is easy to see how cohesive everyone works together as one team and the relationships built with customers and fellow Marines.”
From left: Exchange IT Pacific Field Support Manager Shinobu Agarie; SSgt. Angel Pena (2024 MRF-D Dry Season Rotation); Sgt. James Johnson (2024 MRF-D Dry Season Rotation); Sgt. Tyler Illingworth (2023 MRF-D Wet Season Rotation); SSgt. Ophny Moise (2023 MRF-D Wet Season Rotation); Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Cosbey (2024 MRF-D Dry Season Rotation); Exchange Field Technical Supervisor Vicente Villegas; Exchange Pacific Region Staff Food Safety Officer CW4 Chief Jeffery Mitchell; SSgt. Janiel Torres (2024 MRF-D Wet Season Rotation); SSgt. Michael Hamilton (2024 MRF-D Wet Season Rotation); Exchange End User Computer Technician Bryan Mejares; an d Exchange Okinawa Exchange Retail Business Manager Danny Cawood.
