WTMAT Pilot Program Begins on USS Monterey

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Norfolk Ship Support Activity's (NSSA) Water Tight Door Maintenance Assist Team (WTMAT) pilot program initiated work on USS Monterey (CG 61) Oct. 29 in Norfolk, Va.

WTMAT is the newest NNSA MAT to stand up in an attempt to find, fix, and document shipboard material discrepancies within the fleet.

"Our objective and goal is to increase the ship's water tight integrity and increase maintenance knowledge. When we help Ship's Force (S/F) find, fix and document thoroughly, the next time we go aboard, fewer corrective actions are needed," said Jorge Lopez, NSSA lead MAT zone manager.

WTMAT began performing Preventative Maintenance System (PMS) checks along with S/F aboard USS Monterey. The first step in this process is to document any discrepancies found. Once documented, WTMAT orders replacement parts, then the MAT oversees S/F performing the repair work.

"We dedicated 10 days to preventive and corrective maintenance on doors, hatches and scuttles alone," said WTMAT Damage Controlman (DC) 1st Class (SW) Kaleb Brack. "The team replaced worn gaskets on water-tight doors, lubricated the linkages and dawgs after they were disassembled, and subsequently performed a Chalk Test."

"Personnel from different divisions come to us without formal training," said Machinery Repairman 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael Martin, leading petty officer of NSSA's repair divisionSailors in rates such as electronics technicians, fire controlmen, and electrician's mates participate in the various MAT teams, such as the WTMAT program, and it provides them with the necessary skill set to perform preventative maintenance and provide shipboard support."

WTMAT is made up of two civilians and seven Sailors. "We benefit daily with the consistency that our civilian counterpart provides our Sailors. The Sailors will go back to the ship and share their newly gained knowledge. I look forward to continually sharing our knowledge and expertise with S/F," said Lopez.

"WTMAT Sailors are not the only ones to benefit from their MAT experiences. Ships Force's junior Sailors gain valuable experience in their respective ratings. When the MAT objectives are met, Sailors, civilians, and contractors, along with the ships on the waterfront all benefit. As part of a MAT, they also ensure an ongoing cycle of journeyman development continues," said NSSA Production Manager, Ronnie Saunders.

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

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