Spot checks keep Wasp Sailors sharp

Courtesy Photo | Airman Melanie Jackson performs a spot check with Petty Officer 2nd Class Darryl Gangadeen on the TX-103 Man Overboard Indicator aboard USS Wasp, May 11. For Wasp's upcoming 3M Mid-Cycle Assessment, the ship's spot check program will be placed under close scrutiny. (Navy photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Kobobel)  

AT SEA

05.27.2010

Courtesy Story

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Kobobel

USS WASP – As the 3M Mid-Cycle Assessment approaches, Sailors aboard the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Wasp continue to hone their maintenance skills – focusing on the all-important spot check portion of the assessment.

"Conducting maintenance requires Sailors to follow a specific format," said Wasp Commanding Officer Capt. Lowell D. Crow. "A Sailor's ability to follow this format – even when not being checked – is not just a test of ability, but a test of responsibility and integrity."

During the 3MMCA, Sailors will have to demonstrate their ability to properly perform maintenance in the correct and specified manner. The spot checks will verify that Wasp's 3M Program is operating in accordance with established guidelines.

"Spot checks are the key to an effective 3M Program," said Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Waldemarson. "It's a view on how well a work center is doing, from reviewing the 43P1 and PMS Boards to making sure the maintenance [person] is qualified. Most people can review the Maintenance Requirement Card and verify that it is current, but they also have to know their equipment to make sure it is being maintained the way it is supposed to be."

Sailors conduct maintenance to ensure that all shipboard equipment and components are in good working order.

Spot checks verify that Sailors are capable, well-versed, and following the standards for the maintenance they're performing on a regular basis.

"They [spot checks] teach you how to pay attention to detail," said Yeoman 3rd Class (SW/AW) Chaka Clemmons.

"People tend to become complacent with their work so a spot check can teach a maintenance person to constantly be alert and take note of what issues to look for with their equipment."

Performing spot checks correctly requires constant training on the part of the maintenance person, and onboard Wasp the leadership performing the spot checks not only verifies, but educates.

"We are providing constant training and preparation to our maintenance personnel," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Mia Haynes.

"They're on their own when they perform a spot check, and they need the knowledge and confidence to be able to demonstrate to the person checking them that they know how to perform their maintenance both safely and correctly."

• Date Taken: 05.27.2010
• Date Posted: 05.27.2010 21:47
• Story ID: 50394
• Location: AT SEA