Courtesy Photo | USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) provides critical supplies to U.S. Navy and partner...... read more read more
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“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing,” wrote Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Deck Machinist Nelson Miraflor, currently serving on USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194), has taken that charge to heart. He believes the operational readiness of the fleet replenishment oiler is his main responsibility.
“My ability to execute proper maintenance and repairs, including emergent repairs helps maintain operational readiness of the ship, particularly the underway replenishment gears,” said Mirflor.
“Keeping our UNREP gears in top condition ensures, operational readiness, as well as safety to personnel and equipment at all times.”
As he monitors, maintains and repairs all equipment needed for at-sea replenishments, keeping them in “top condition” at all times, Miraflor draws on his 10 years of experience with Military Sealift Command and his education and training. While he has a Bachelor of Science in business administration, with a concentration in banking and finance from University of the East in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines, he applies his knowledge and skills in several critical disciplines to keep Ericsson operationally ready.
These include: welding, carpentry, diesel and gasoline mechanics, electrical systems and masonry. The licensed handyman also transfers his pre-MSC, civilian experience to making sure Ericsson is always ready to resupply U.S. Navy and partner nations’ ships with food, fuel and cargo.
“Nelson is a highly skilled machinist who came to MSC from the high-end custom automotive industry in Southern California,” said Capt. Hiram D. Davies, master of Ericsson.
“He is a tremendously valued asset throughout the ship, working in all areas and constantly leans forward and proactively anticipates what needs to be done, when. His knowledge of machinery and materials is unparalleled.”
Miraflor claims getting the job right the first time is the most gratifying part of his job as it gives him a sense of accomplishment.
“Seeing the equipment work properly after a repair makes me feel good and proud of myself,” he says.
The U.S. Navy veteran, originally from the Philippines, says that his primary focus is to look for and immediately repair any concern that may impact the ship’s operational readiness. In addition, his role in fostering a sense of team work and helping create a “good working environment” are equally as important.
“A positive attitude toward work and having a good working relationship with everyone helps a lot, especially since we’re all so far away from our friends and families,” Miraflor admits.
“Off-duty interaction with my shipmates, like exchanging funny jokes and stories and singing karaoke, not only ease the hard day but also reinforce a good working environment and friendships with everyone.”
This approach to his own main thing – operational readiness -- and creating an enjoyable command climate have been important to Miraflor throughout his career with MSC. Previous assignments include: USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), USNS Yukon (T-AO 193), USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) and USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171).
These challenging – and rewarding tours of duty – are just what called Miraflor to a life at sea with MSC.
“If you love to work and like earning good money, this is the place.
“If you love travel and see the world, join MSC,” he says.
“If you like challenges, and have strong desire to excel and achieve promotion, then MSC it is.”
Military Sealift Command Far East ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region, including USNS John Ericsson, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.
Task force commanders employ these ships to ensure mission accomplishment.
Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific and Task Force 73 is the U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships that keep units
throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled and fed.
As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.
Military Sealift Command is the leading provider of ocean transportation for the Navy and the rest of the Department of Defense - operating approximately 125 ships daily around the globe.
| Date Taken: | 11.19.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2021 04:26 |
| Story ID: | 409657 |
| Location: | U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY |
| Web Views: | 73 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Ericsson’s Deck Machinist says Operational Readiness is the Main Thing, by Leslie Hull-Ryde, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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