Boxer’s 2M Program Ranks Number One

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Conor Minto | Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Park, from the Republic of Korea, performs weapons familiarization training in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is the flagship for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Conor Minto/RELEASED)  

ARABIAN SEA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

11.26.2013

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Sanchez 

USS Boxer (LHD 4)

ARABIAN SEA - - The Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) recognized the Micro Miniature (2M) Repair division, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), for being the top performer during the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, saving the Navy $129,065.

The 2M program is a shipboard electronics repair facility that saves the Navy money and time by repairing broken electronics instead of ordering new parts or sending them off ship for repair.

“The 2M program is a way for the ship to save money and a way for Boxer to be self-sufficient when it comes to the need for repair parts,” said Master Chief Information Systems Technician Marnee Keaton, leading chief petty officer for Combat System department. “Without this program the repairs made for the Combat Systems Suite alone could have cost Boxer and the Navy hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
Much of Boxer’s success can be attributed to Electronics Technician 3rd Class Nathaniel Mauro, Boxer’s primary 2M technician, who made the list as the 4th top cost saving technician in SURFPAC.

“Mauro single-handedly saved Boxer and the Navy over $90,000 in repair costs, it was well-deserved,” said Keaton. “I know that he will strive to be at the top of the list. He has raised the bar aboard Boxer. “

Mauro, from Muncie, Ind., performed 22 repairs that led to a total savings of $94,919. He achieved his proficiency from attending specialized training and doing on-the-job training aboard Boxer.

“I think of it as earning my paycheck,” said Mauro. “The taxpayers pay money so we can keep our Navy running. I feel like I’m just taking some of the burden off their shoulders.”
The Boxer 2M Repair division works on electronics that use solders, wires and circuit cards. The electronics can come from various systems such as radars, communications, alarm panels and amplifiers.

Depending on the problem, some repairs can take up to a few days to complete.

“I'm proud of Mauro and our 2M shop,” said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Vernon Franklin. “Anytime you can beat out the whole fleet, it’s quite an accomplishment.”

• Date Taken: 11.26.2013
• Date Posted: 11.26.2013 13:20
• Story ID: 117403
• Location: ARABIAN SEA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA
• Hometown: MUNCIE, IN, US