Now that aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is preparing for refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) maintenance, many Sailors are moving out of the comfort zone of their rating, and are being assigned to different temporary additional duty (TAD) teams which will support RCOH.

One such team is Light Industrial Facility (LIFAC), which provides Sailors from various rates an opportunity to learn new skills and expand on old ones.

LIFAC is used by aircraft carriers during RCOH for self-help fabrication, machining and engineering services, said Lt. Pat Stimphil, division officer for the LIFAC team aboard George Washington.

LIFAC also provides services for engraving, sandblasting, welding, upholstery and embroidery, pump/motor rewind and many other things.

"One of the most important things I've learned during LIFAC training is how to read the engineering drawings," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class Valerie Proulx. "Also, I'm about to learn about pumps, valves and hoses. It's pretty important work, and the knowledge is very helpful for exam time for my rate and also for when I get out. Learning about these things puts me ahead of the curve."

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Kevin Ramirez, the paraloft and engraving supervisor for LIFAC, has gained a new appreciation for tagging out electrical and mechanical systems for maintenance.

"We have done tagouts before, but to fully see and learn exactly what everything means on an actual drawing provided by MSC (maintenance support center) makes me take into account why tagout drawings are so crucial when we perform tagouts," said Ramirez.

The LIFAC team is comprised of Sailors sent from various departments from around the ship including weapons, engineering, air and supply. The team consists of more than 80 Sailors chosen by their respective departmental leading chief petty officers.

"It's a great feeling to be on this team," said Ramirez. "We have different rates, different levels of knowledge and we get to learn from one another. For example, my peers are parachute riggers, they come to LIFAC to help with painting and coating, or to switch roles and teach an engineer, an aviation boatswain's mate (fuel) or other outside rates how to use a sewing machine, is a great experience. It's rewarding to see that we truly are a well-rounded group."

While Ramirez enjoys the exchange of knowledge between him and his peers, Proulx feels confident knowing she has the support of her chain of command.

"To know that my chain of command trusts my knowledge and skills to rebuild our equipment successfully is a pretty good feeling," said Proulx.

Sailors will be TAD to LIFAC for approximately a year. Over the course of their assignment, Sailors will have opportunities to train and advance their skills outside of their normal working environment.

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