NSSA's Auxiliary Maintenance Assist Team Supports USS Stout with PMS

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Norfolk Ship Support Activity's (NSSA's) Auxiliary Maintenance Assist Team (AMAT) aided ships force with its Preventive Maintenance System (PMS) aboard USS Stout (DDG 55) Oct. 29-Nov. 2.

AMAT is among the seven MATs that NSSA established in an attempt to find, fix and document discrepancies within the fleet.

"Once onboard the ship, we want to help ship's force resolve any issues related to auxiliary equipment maintenance," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Francisco P. Mendez, AMAT assistant leading petty officer.

During the assessment, AMAT members first conduct PMS checks. Working together, AMAT and ships force inspect the equipment and document any issues found. Next, AMAT orders the necessary parts, and once the parts arrive, the AMAT assists the crew while they perform repairs. The team's assessment and repair period usually takes two weeks to complete.

"We work with ship's force conducting PMS and repairs to reefer units, AC units, anchor windlass and steering systems," said Mendez.

"Right now we are working with the crew doing the PMS on the Reefer units. Should we find anything done incorrectly, we will document it with the ship, then support and oversee corrective action," said David Walden of NSSA.

With the oversight and assistance provided by the AMAT, ships force is also seeing the benefits of the extra guidance.

"AMAT provides a lot of hands-on training, which helps our Sailors gain the experience they need. It also helps ships force prepare for their Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment. With the AMAT's support on the ship, we learn more efficient ways to care for our equipment, which, in turn, helps extend its service life," said Enginemen 2nd Class (S/W) Dennis Young, who serves on USS Stout.

"Our goal within the AMAT is to help each ship's crew better understand proper assessment, maintenance and repair processes of their equipment, helping them better preserve it for the long run," said Mendez. "We provide assistance for both new and seasoned Sailors alike, who may need more direct support in understanding and maintain their systems."

According to Mendez, AMATs consists of military and civilian personnel. "The civilians that work here are typically prior Navy, so they bring with them all their years of experience from working aboard ships. That helps tremendously when we work with Sailors in the fleet," said Mendez.

For more information about Norfolk Ship Support Activity, visit https://www.nssa.nmci.navy.mil/.

For more news from Norfolk Ship Support Activity, visit www.navy.mil/local/nssa/.