Shifting the Mindset

SAN DIEGO , CA, UNITED STATES

12.01.2018

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rachael A Treon 

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)     

Blue seas are on USS Theodore Roosevelt’s horizon as the ship finishes its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). The scheduled 6 month PIA enabled the required maintenance, modernization and preservation the Navy wanted to keep the Big Stick on the cutting edge of 21st century Naval power. Transitioning from a pierside construction zone into the work-up cycle means a change in mission focus, lifestyle, and most importantly, mindset.

“Over the last six months the crew worked hand-in-hand with our Shipyard Maintenance team and contractors to ensure our ship was ready to go back to sea,” said Commanding Officer Capt. Carlos Sardiello. “We performed extremely well completing the required work safely and efficiently, allowing us to finish on time. Everyone has done a great job identifying possible hazards, applying risk management and correcting discrepancies immediately during the maintenance period. But now we must transition from a maintenance focus to an underway mindset. Our job is to be prepared to conduct sustained combat operations at sea. There is no second place in combat. We don’t get there overnight. It is critically important for every “Rough Rider” to complete each phase of our in port and at sea operational training, doing all the reps and sets to build the necessary muscle memory over the 2019 training cycle and guaranteeing flawless execution. This is an inherently dangerous business, and we have a solid method to manage those risks and get mission done. It is the same methodical Plan, Brief, Execute, Debrief process we have used in the past. Every Rough Rider is trained and equipped to meet the mission. Work to get to Yes on TR in your jobs; as mission enablers and supporters of the Air Wing and strike group it is important. Yes speeds our support by handling challenges at the appropriate level. If you can’t do something at your level then stop and raise the No to your supervisor. They will provide you mitigations within policy or raise the No to the next level until it comes to me. Bottom line, in the manner of President Theodore Roosevelt, you are the quiet professionals who get the job done. Your collective ownership, getting to Yes, waiting for no one, and care and loyalty for your shipmates to your left and right, means we are continue to succeed and meet our CNO’s charge to be the best Navy each day.”

According to Executive Officer Capt. Peter Riebe, a recent incident aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) should serve as a cautionary tale for TR Sailors.

“Not too many years ago, a high-performing aircraft carrier was emerging from a maintenance availably and rapidly moving into an operational mindset,” said Riebe. “The squeeze of getting the ship prepared for sea and the planned homeport shift pushed the leadership and crew to get the ship ready for the move. What transpired were small degradations in their Zone Inspection program, shortcomings in their HAZMAT handling and stowage, and a weak DC training program with equipment deficiencies. Those small degradations came to a head on May 22, 2008, when a fire broke out on the USS George Washington.”

Reports state that the fire required damage control efforts by more than 1,000 Sailors over a 12-hour period. A large amount of improperly stored hazmat caused the fire, and firefighting efforts were weakened by factors such as missing DC plates, lack of radios, poorly maintained equipment and an unexpected location for a Class Bravo fire. More than 30 Sailors suffered injuries from smoke inhalation and burns. The repair cost was estimated at 70 million and a several-month delay in the ship’s homeport shift.

This event was completely preventable and Sailors of all ranks played a role in this incident. Time is running out to ensure TR is prepared. The time is now to ensure the ship and its crew are ready to go to sea.

The majority of the Rough Riders have previously been underway and know what to expect. However, experience does not automatically ensure preparedness, and hundreds of new Sailors will be sailing for the first time.

Command Master Chief Andrew Frederick leads the TR in saltiest Sailors with 15 deployments under his belt.

“I think the hardest part about getting underway after PIA has two parts. The first is getting back into an underway routine and remembering what your underway job was,” said Frederick. “It can be very different in the maintenance period. The second is making sure everything is ready at home. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or married, you still have obligations at home. If you are not ready to go personally, it can severely impact job performance.”
Frederick says he still continues to forget things every time the ship gets underway, which shows that even the most experienced Sailors aren’t automatically prepared.

“I’ve already started moving everything onto the ship because I know I always overlook things,” said Frederick. “Every morning I look in my closet and bring a few things I know I’ll need so I get it done little by little and don’t have to rush at the end.”

Sailors who have never been underway are at a disadvantage because they may not know the tips and tricks it takes to survive life on an aircraft carrier. Things that seem routine to most such as the difference in chow lines, internet connectivity, ship’s laundry, and even working hours may be unknown to the new Sailors.

With the upcoming holidays, it can be easy for Sailors to be more focused on what’s to come after the work, before the work even gets done. It is the responsibility of every Rough Rider to remain focused and do their part in supporting the ship’s mission. From the engineering spaces to the flight deck, from the fo’c’sle to the aft lookout, every part matters.

“You have worked hard to get to this point, the ship is almost ready,” said Sardiello. Let’s get the last part complete and the ship will be ready and waiting for us in the new year to complete the planned training cycle. We have a good plan for you to gain some ground on resilience. Take that time with family during the leave, liberty and adjusted working hours we have coming up to make some lasting memories. Ensure your financial and personal obligations are all set for you to be at sea for extended periods during 2019. Being prepared and spending time with your family and friends ensures you are ready for the exciting times and challenges at sea.”

• Date Taken: 12.01.2018
• Date Posted: 01.25.2019 13:02
• Story ID: 308256
• Location: SAN DIEGO , CA, US