Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) recently completed two availabilities, both of which were delivered back to the fleet on time, with the latest, USS Princeton (CG 59), finishing Sept. 27.

USS Pinckney (DDG 91) also completed its availability Aug. 31.

On time delivery of ships from maintenance availabilities is one of the top priorities for the U.S. Navy in support of our efforts to strengthen our naval forces at sea by providing combat-ready ships to Sailors.

“At SWRMC, we are focused on getting our ships out of availabilities on time, while finding cost-effective and innovative solutions during availabilities,” said Capt. David Hart, commanding officer, SWRMC. “The maintenance teams for Pinckney and Princeton were able to accomplish all of those objectives and return the ships to the Fleet on time, ready to support the Navy’s mission.”

During the SRA for Pinckney, SWRMC exercised a high velocity learning event, which supported Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) focus on maintaining a culture of affordability.  The team used improvement concepts for the Request for Contract Change (RCC) process to reduce the amount of money spent on addressing growth and new work.  The team’s goal was to limit the growth and new work to under 20% of the overall availability cost.  The team surpassed this goal with the total growth and new work totaling less than 5% of the overall availably cost. 

Princeton returned to Naval Base San Diego from sea trials on Sept. 27, marking the completion of the availability on time.

“This availability was well-planned, with the maintenance team working closely with industry to overcome many setbacks. The avail consisted of a large number of Hull Mechanical and Engineering (HM&E) work specifications, as well as modernization items,” said Hart. “Supportive engagement from ship’s force leadership, coupled with the Maintenance team’s and industry’s teamwork and communication ensured Princeton was delivered on time.”

According to Hart, communication, team work, and the reduction of growth work were the three primary focus areas that contributed to the successful completion of these availabilities.  With SWRMC’s sustained focus on these, he believes they will continue to meet their mission to provide superior ship maintenance, modernization, technical support, and training for the Pacific Fleet.

For more information on SWRMC please visit http://www.swrmc.navy.mil/.

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