The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) successfully completed its Maintenance and Material Management Inspection (3MI) while on deployment in the Arabian Sea, May 16.
“All personnel across the command performed phenomenal,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Donavon Gray, 3M coordinator. “Everyone did an outstanding job. They did what they do every day; conduct maintenance. It was an outstanding job by all hands. Certain Sailors were even pointed out by the inspectors for a ‘Bravo Zulu.'”
During the five-day event, 19 inspectors from Commander, Naval Air Forces (COMNAVAIRFOR) conducted 250 supervised checks throughout the ship to ensure the crew properly follows written procedures for required maintenance.
“Training played a key role during this 3MI,” said Gray. “We prepared all of our Sailors on how to properly conduct spotchecks, and how to maintain their equipment. All of the administrative effectiveness reviews (AER), spotchecks and SKED 3.2 alert training was vital during this inspection.”
The inspection is conducted every 24 months aboard aircraft carriers to verify each ship’s ability to perform required maintenance throughout the ship using the U.S. Navy’s 3M system.
“The 3MI is important because it ensures the safety of personnel and equipment, both pivotal in maintaining the effectiveness of the warship,” said Master Chief Electrician’s Mate Jim Burke, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) lead 3M inspector.
The 3M Inspection is part of a training cycle that continuously monitors and trains Sailors on the proper way to effectively maintain an aircraft carrier for its expected 50-year life span.
Gray attributes the success of the inspection to the 3M training team (3MTT), the 3M assistants (3MA) and the Sailors who were assigned spotchecks during the 3MI.
“From the 3MTTs and 3MAs, to the wardroom and Chiefs Mess, all hands played an essential role in the success of this 3MI,” said Gray. “Especially the junior Sailors who were assigned the task of successfully performing the spotchecks.”
The 3M inspectors said the ship’s training was evident in the maintenance checks they performed.
“Our hard work and leadership continues to pay big dividends,” said Master Chief David Carter, command master chief. “We are changing the culture to one of a maintenance mindset and we cannot afford to let our foot off the accelerator.”
George H.W. Bush is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Press Release, May 18, 2014; Image: US Navy