Below the deck plates of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23), engineers turn wrenches and oil engines, ensuring that the mission continues.

The past week has been especially challenging and tedious, as these Sailors made necessary main engine repairs.

"We had some indications that there might be a problem with one of our two main engines," said Engineman 1st Class Christine Carvo, the main propulsion leading petty officer. "Although nothing might be wrong, our job is to check it out regardless of how big or small the problem might be."

Opening an engine is no easy task. It is a process of accountability, strict instruction-following, and tedious safety precautions to ensure the engine stays sanitized and the crew remains safe.

"First, we have to tag out the engines and account for all items taken into a roped off area where the engine is," said Engineman Fireman Brandon Powell. "We also have to keep our sleeves rolled up and have all items taken out of our uniforms because one small slip up can destroy the engine."

Heat stress is another challenge when working on shipboard engines. Temperatures can reach well over 200 degrees Fahrenheit due to sealed ventilation ducts.

"Heat stress is a primary concern in our department" Powell added. "We have to make sure we are well-hydrated, so we always keep water bottles with us. We also rotate Sailors in and out of air conditioned booths to make sure their body temperature remains normal."

Although the risks are daunting, the Sailors of the Anchorage engineering department are always ready, ensuring tasks are completed on time, safely and accurately.

"They are doing an awesome job," Carvo said. "We all chose to be engineers, and these Sailors recognize the importance of their day-to-day tasks. They are amazing Sailors."

Anchorage is currently on a regularly-scheduled deployment with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, which consists of Anchorage, USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Anchorage, with the embarked 15th MEU, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

For more news from USS Anchorage, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/LPD23/ .

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3, visit www.navy.mil/ .