Photo By Oscar Pope | NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 11, 2026) Hull Technician 2nd Class Richard Coy, assigned to Shore...... read more read more
NORFOLK, Va. —Sailors from both Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) Norfolk, and the waterfront, turned technical requirements into hands-on experience during a four-day Watertight Closures Maintenance Training (WCMT) Course on Aug. 10, 2026, as part of the Naval Afloat Maintenance Training Strategy (NAMTS).
The recurring WMCT course is part of SIMA Norfolk’s effort to develop Sailors through practical intermediate-level maintenance experience returning more capable and self-sufficient Sailors to the fleet.
The training covers the fundamentals: inspection, maintenance and repair of watertight doors, hatches and scuttles — systems essential to maintaining a ship’s watertight integrity and survivability.
Additionally, Sailors learn structural closure terminology, layout and measurement, machinery alterations, chalk testing, gasket maintenance and the operation and repair of multiple types of watertight closures. Quick-acting and individually dogged watertight doors, watertight hatches and scuttles, as well as other specialized closure configurations provide a precise reality of what a Sailor will encounter on any naval vessel.
By utilizing training equipment and mock-ups, Sailors can practice removing, installing, testing, disassembling and reassembling watertight closure components under the supervision of experienced personnel. Sailors also become familiar with specialized equipment such as conrod bearing tools, knife-edge measuring tools and bushing removal tools.
The combination of technical instruction and repeated hands-on application is central to NAMTS and SIMA Norfolk’s approach to developing Sailors.
Subject matter expert and WCMT Course Instructor Sharon Jones stated, “The primary training objectives of the WCMT Course are to enhance Sailor self-sufficiency, strengthen watertight closure repair capabilities, and develop qualified and certified Watertight Closure Maintenance Technicians. This ultimately enhances a ship’s watertight integrity, survivability, and overall fleet warfighting readiness.”
In a WCMT survey, one Sailor said, “The WCMT course has been extremely beneficial, not just for myself, but for my Sailors. I have gained so many resources now that will help me as a skilled Damage Control Petty Officer (DCPO)Work Center Supervisor (WCS), and knowledgeable leader.
Capt. Megan Thomas, commanding officer of SIMA Norfolk, added, “Shipboard combat readiness relies on Sailors’ knowledge and proficiency; properly maintained closures help preserve watertight integrity and limit the spread of flooding or damage aboard a ship. Sailors capable of identifying deficiencies and correctly performing necessary maintenance contribute directly to our ship’s material condition and survivability.”
The U.S. Navy reestablished SIMA commands in Norfolk and San Diego in June 2026. The reestablishment directly supports the Navy’s vision of utilizing a responsive, Sailor-led force to optimize materiel readiness while building Sailors’ technical expertise and fleet self-sufficiency.
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2026 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 574179 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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