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Self-Sufficiency at Sea

15 March 2016

From Ensign Samuel Oat-Judge and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Stumberg, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

Forward deployed ships are expected to perform a myriad of tasks including multilateral training exercises, NATO operations and deployments, and the full spectrum of maritime security operations.
Forward deployed ships are expected to perform a myriad of tasks including multilateral training exercises, NATO operations and deployments, and the full spectrum of maritime security operations.

Stationed in Rota, Spain, USS Ross (DDG 71) is one of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 as part of Forward Deployed Naval Forces Europe.

This entails a robust operational tempo and places high demand on the ship's crew to maintain a high level of readiness, as they conduct anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, air defense, Tomahawk land attack, and ballistic missile defense missions in support of U.S. allies and partners throughout the European theater.

Over the course of Ross' third patrol in the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean, Sailors in its Combat Electronics division have conducted multiple repairs to critical systems well beyond the typical scope of ship's force.

Most recently, Electronics Technician 1st Class Bruce Hammon conducted screening and repair of a power supply assembly for the propulsion and auxiliary control console after engineering department personnel detected a fault.

The power supply was returned to operational condition within five hours, saving $70,000 in repair parts and avoiding degradation to Ross' readiness.

"As a forward-deployed naval force ship with limited access to resources, we have to depend on our technical abilities and sometimes unconventional problem solving to keep the ship on mission and in the fight," said Hammon, combat electronics leading petty officer and Miniatature and Microminiature Repair (2M) work center supervisor. "2M is a program that allows us as technicians to constantly employ our knowledge to bring immediate solutions to the ship."

As combat and engineering systems become more complex, 2M technicians must adapt to the ever-changing demands of more intricate digital systems.

"I am proud to have been at different commands where I was able to reinforce sound electronic trouble shooting and theories," said Hammon, a 13-year Navy veteran from Dresden, Ohio. "I greatly enjoy the opportunity to apply these skills aboard Ross and develop solutions at sea to problems that typically require off-ship assistance."

But, Hammon isn't the only Ross 2M technician creatively problem solving damaged equipment.

Another notable Sailor is Fire Controlman 1st Class Elizabeth Clark, who recently earned the 2016 Missile Defender of the Year award, an annual honor given by the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance that recognizes those service members who exhibit leadership, personal effort and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in missile defense.

From Deer Park, Washington, Clark is the lead AN/SPY-1D Radar, or, SPY technician aboard Ross.

Recently, Clark saved the Ross almost $40,000 when she repaired a critical component of the SPY-1D, the ship's primary air search radar.

Because of the size of this piece of equipment, replacement parts are not kept onboard. It seemed like the only way to get the system back up and running was to order an entire replacement module possibly forcing Ross to abandon its current mission and degrade Ross' ability to perform as a forward-deployed naval asset.

Clark said after studying the damage, she noticed the problem wasn't the entire module but a few small pieces.

"The only problem was a little plastic tube, a resistor, and a small damaged circuit board," said Clark.

All she had to do was repair the circuit board and replace the other minor components. Altogether the replacement parts cost the ship $2.50.

"The goal of the 2M program is to increase fleet self-sufficiency, readiness and cost reduction, and is a program that any Sailor could be proud to be a part of," said Clark. "I'm particularly proud to use what I've learned as a 2M technician and the ability to bring this knowledge to not only my work center, but to the Combat Systems and Weapons Systems department as a whole."

This knack for creative problem solving and efforts to reduce repair costs is what Electronics Materials Officer (EMO) Ensign Jonathan Davis said reminds him of why he is proud to serve in his billet.

"It's great having a team like we have here, they make the job as EMO very rewarding and fun when it comes to putting our heads together to figure out a solution to a complex problem," said Davis. "As a team of tech support that often doesn't get much visibility, I'm incredibly proud of these skilled technicians."

Davis said through Hammon's and Clark's hard work, the 2M program continues to have a huge impact on the ship from engineering systems to vending machines and the ship's television system.

"Watching these young technicians grow, learn, and solve these problems is why I enjoy this job so much," said Davis.

The actions of the 2M shop exemplify Ross Sailors' commitment to self-sufficiency in maintaining the ship's operational readiness, and fostering a culture of problem-solving at the ship's force level.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.
 

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