Based on the Chief of Naval Operations' Rapid Innovation Cell (CRIC) Program, Chief Fire Controlman Jesse Goodrich is leading the creation of a similar cell aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66).

Established in 2012, CRIC was developed to take advantage of opportunities outside the Navy mainstream, empowering innovators with flag leadership, advocacy and financial resources to develop innovative technologies or processes that can be rapidly transitioned to the fleet.

Members of the Gonzalez RIC consist of leaders from the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions; Sexual Assault Prevention and Response; Morale Welfare and Recreation; Command Assessment Team; Drug and Alcohol Prevention Advocate; First Class Petty Officer Association; and Junior Petty Officer Association. They will apply differing perspectives in order to define and address problems, provide solutions, and train to these solutions. With them, Sailors can address issues and problems head-on, by learning to self-assess and self-govern.

Gonzalez' Commanding Officer Cmdr. Les Sobol opened the team's first meeting with a discussion on the importance of the RIC as a process for getting these Sailor-created solutions directly into action.

"Empowering Sailors to take on and solve problems builds teamwork, leadership opportunities, cooperation and enhances problem-solving skills that can be invaluable to our team," said Sobol.

Goodrich echoed this sentiment, saying "The key enablers of the RIC program are responsibility, accountability and authority."

A recent brainstorming session was held with deckplate leaders to identify problems. Some of those listed ranged from poor financial planning to a lack of positivity in everyday interactions. The first RIC effort is focused on countering destructive behaviors which will foster a positive command climate. The next session will look at ways to implement rapid solutions to these problems.

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