The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk Real-Time Reutilization Asset Management (RRAM) program demonstrated a program to make more circuit card assemblies easier to fix for Sailors underway Feb. 6.

According to NAVSUP FLC Norfolk's Director, Physical Distribution/Material Handling Equipment Division Director John Martin, the program is a partnership with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Miniature/Microminiature (2M) Module Test and Repair (MTR) program where NAVSUP FLC Norfolk is hosting a certified NAVSEA 2M MTR Gold Disk test bench.

The test bench can analyze Circuit Card Assemblies (CCA) and record data that can be used by shipboard technicians to repair CCAs that otherwise would have to be replaced. The test bench will be manned by fleet sailors that have received Gold Disk Development Training from qualified NAVSEA MTR instructors.

He went on to explain that the Gold Disk is a database that lists CCAs that have been extensively tested and meets Gold Disk standards. Before a CCA can be added to the Gold Disk, three known good "A" condition CCAs must be tested and all three profiles have to match. Testing consists of identifying the functional characteristics of the components on the CCA such as integrated circuits, transistors, diodes, and resistors.

The same test benches used to develop Gold Disk CCAs are installed onboard surface ships throughout the Navy enabling shipboard technicians to then compare and troubleshoot a suspect CCA to the characteristics of a known good CCA. When they find the defective component on a CCA, the technician can then repair it onboard, rather than having to buy a new one, saving the Navy millions of dollars.

"Having so many in one place it only makes sense from a logistical standpoint to bring the test bench here for ease of access, it also leaves the asset being tested in an issuable status if a fleet demand occurs," he explained.

Martin added that the major benefit of having a Gold Disk test bench at NAVSUP FLC Norfolk is that RRAM has thousands of "A" condition CCAs in their local inventory. With all the CCAs that go through the RRAM system, the database on the disc can grow far more rapidly, thus making the disc of even more use fleet-wide.

The 2M MTR program has been implemented fleet-wide in the Navy since 1976. According to Martin, in the period between April 1996 and September 2017, commands outfitted with 2M MTR capabilities reported nearly 210 thousand repairs, resulting in more than $765 million in cost avoidance.

"Our mission is to support the warfighter while being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar," Martin said.

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.