The amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans, (LPD 18), passed its Maintenance and Material Management (3M) 1.4 assessment Aug. 28 while transiting for a Western Pacific deployment.
The ship earned a total cumulative score of 91.68 percent after completing a rigorous 28 week pre-deployment training cycle in only nine weeks.
“New Orleans overachieved during every facet of this training cycle, from the light off assessment all the way through to this last certification,” said New Orleans’ Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Mike Ray. “3M in particular has been a challenge since last August, and I could not be prouder of the hard work and dedication they’ve all shown in not just certifying, but scoring above 90 percent overall and 95 percent in spot checks. As usual, they’ve come through in crunch time.”
The inspection, conducted by Afloat Training Group (ATG) ran Aug. 23-28.
Fifty work centers received assessments in their administrative functions, Planned Maintenance System (PMS) completion rates, and their ability to perform maintenance safely and correctly.
The ship performed seven to eight training events per week during its basic phase cycle compared to the normally scheduled one to two events. The basic phase cycle is one of five phases that New Orleans prepared for in accordance with the Fleet Response Training Plan. The warship demonstrated its proficiency through a series of exercises proving battle readiness should they need to execute operational taskings.
“I knew we would make it because every time it seemed like we were struggling it was actually just good training that helped us come out on top,” said Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Heather Kolp. “I just knew we would get the job done.”
From the deckplates to the leadership, the ship’s commitment to excellence was noticeable and above par.
Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) Steve Rose, one of two command 3M coordinator’s aboard New Orleans, attributed the success of the inspection to the crew’s persistent training and rapid work center assessments for each division.
“New Orleans’ success is a demonstration of our teamwork and commitment,” said Rose. “We’ve completed every certification put before us and we wanted this victory as well.”
New Orleans is currently deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group.
[mappress] Press Release, September 15, 2013