The amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20) completed its Mid-Cycle Inspection (MCI) May 12.

From May 10-12, Green Bay conducted its MCI, which is a material readiness inspection that takes place every two to three years. The inspection is set in place to bridge the gap between the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and is used to inspect and assess the material condition of a ship.

"Our goal for MCI is to ensure that the ship is combat ready and is able to fulfill any amphibious mission required of us," said Capt. Nathan Moyer, Green Bay's commanding officer. "This inspection is important because it not only allows us to maintain our material conditions of readiness, but it also helps us better prepare for a successful INSURV."

In order to assess Green Bay's material readiness, more than 50 inspectors from Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) Type Commander Material Inspection Team (TMIT) and the board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) came aboard the ship to conduct thorough inspections of the ship's propulsion systems, deck equipment, berthings, damage control systems, combat systems, and aviation equipment.

"The purpose of our visit is to make sure the Sailors are taking of their ship," said Senior Chief Quartermaster Donna Baraoidan, one of the TMIT inspectors. "Without all of their consistent attention to detail, no ship on the waterfront would last its expected lifecycle. We're just here to make sure the crew is doing it right."

During a 26-hour underway from May 10-11, the inspectors observed crewmembers conducting various shipboard evolutions including an anchor drop test and full-power propulsion runs.

"A lot of long hours and multiple rehearsals have gone into preparing for this inspection," said Boatwain's Mate 3rd Class David Coburn, a brakeman for the anchor drop test. "We've been working extremely hard the last few months in order to make sure we are where we need to be and our equipment is functioning efficiently."

Aside from various evolutions and demonstrations, many of the ship's compartments were inspected for cleanliness, health and safety.

"We've been making sure all the spaces where our shipmates live and work in are up to standards in terms of cleanliness and habitability," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jordan Lewis. "We take everyone's health very seriously here because each and every one of our shipmates is like family."

During the underway, Baraoidan commented about the importance of MCI while she was inspecting Green Bay's equipment on the bridge wing.

"These inspections ensure general functionality of the ship's equipment," she said. "The day our Sailors need to use their equipment is not the day they should find out whether it works or not. As for Green Bay, from what I've seen so far, the Sailors are very knowledgeable about their equipment and the ship will do just fine in the years to come."

After the inspection was complete, and all the scores were tallied up, Green Bay was given a .84 average, which was higher than the naval amphibious ship average, which is between .71 and .81.

"Green Bay is the first amphibious vessel in U.S. 7th Fleet in a few years to be above the average," said Moyer. "It is a testament to all the hard work and dedication that the crew put forth. I am extremely proud to serve with them and serve for them as their commanding officer."

Green Bay is assigned to Commander, Amphibious Squadron 11 and is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, serving forward to provide a rapid-response capability in the event of a regional contingency or natural disaster.

For more news from USS Green Bay (LPD 20), visit www.navy.mil/.