Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) takes a moment to recognize Mr. James Fraley, of Sumter, South Carolina, as April’s Civilian in the Spotlight!
Fraley is a decorated Navy veteran with a host of skills he has acquired during his eight years as an Electrician’s Mate. Transitioning from contractor to Civil Service in November 2021, Fraley’s significant impact in the Engineering Department earns him this acknowledgement.
MARMC Naval architect Ross Oliveira praised Fraley stating, “He is an extreme go-getter, always involving himself in technical issues even when he is not the subject matter expert, continually engaged in learning and staying busy.”
Fraley provided noteworthy technical service to multiples ships, including USS Porter (DDG 78), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Normandy (CG 60), USS New York (LPD 21), and USS San Antonio (LPD 17). During a Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV), he provided technical support for the dishwasher aboard USS Porter from October 2023 to January 2024, correcting breaker cable sizes, improper wiring, and incorrect temperature settings.
“Had it not been for James’ professional and expert abilities, we might not have made the end of avail, and, once again, the ship would have had to continue the use of paper products while underway,” said Richard Benson, MARMC project manager. “Fraley provided all the technical guidance necessary to correctly connect the new dishwasher, ‘Dragon’. He identified two existing breakers that were underrated and provided the NSN [National Stock Number] to procure and upgrade those parts. Lastly, he inspected the ship’s main hot water heater and identified it as being set too low. This would have caused Dragon’s booster heater to overwork itself and possibly fail prematurely. Throughout the avail, Fraley came back several times to spot-check the install and requested to be present for the operational test. This gave the ship that added sense of security knowing we had a true professional witness out the final test.”
Fraley was instrumental in other technical assists, such as the cooking griddle replacement aboard USS Ramage, where he provided Ship's Force and the Maintenance Team with all the necessary information to replace the griddle entirely. Additionally, he assisted in USS Normandy’s Gaylord system training and restored galley ventilation, USS New York’s Smoke Ejection system restoration, and facilitated the restoration of USS San Antonio’s 60-pound washer, returning it to service.
“Honestly, I love my job,” said Fraley. “I work with some great people who have a wealth of knowledge and are a joy to work with. I’ve always had a passion for fixing things, so having a career where that is what I get to do, brings me a sense of fulfillment on a regular basis.”
When Fraley takes time away from work, he enjoys doing activities with his family, getting outdoors or on the water, or finding another reason to spend some time in his garage.
MARMC, a field activity under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), provides surface ship maintenance, management and oversight of private sector maintenance and fleet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Date Taken: | 04.26.2024 |
Date Posted: | 04.26.2024 12:49 |
Story ID: | 469601 |
Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
Hometown: | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 70 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Civilian in the Spotlight, by Oscar Pope, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT