On Feb. 8, Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jeffrey Herms was selected as one of two recipients for the Chief of Naval Operations’ Gold Disk Awards Program during the third quarter of fiscal year 2018.

The award recognizes individuals who have improved operational readiness and cost avoidance for Miniature/Micro-miniature (2M) and Module Test Repair (MTR) programs.

Herms was previously recognized by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) for his outstanding work during the Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium, hosted by the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE).

“ET2 Herms was originally sent to NUWC to just be re-certified on gold disk, even though he is billeted as one of our communications technicians here on [amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli] (LHA 7),” said Chief Electronics Technician Zachary Miller. “NUWC was so impressed with ET2 that they requested for him to go on temporary duty for a second time, in order to help them out in creating gold disk routines for the fleet.”

Gold disk routines are created by combining three circuit card assemblies that are known to be in good working order, logistical data, schematics, and assembly drawings. The gold disk routines are then tested and verified, before being sent back into the fleet as troubleshooting aids for circuit cards in systems such as radar equipment, communications equipment, weapons systems, and monitoring systems.

While attached to NUWC, Herms developed seven total gold disk routines, assisted in verification of other test routines, and has repaired many items for the 2M MTR 2nd Chance pilot program. Four of the test routines he developed were for the Critical Vibration Reduction Effectiveness Monitoring System on Ohio- and Seawolf-class ballistic-missile and attack submarines, respectively. Another gold disk routine he developed Virginia-class attack submarines is estimated to reduce fleet sustainment costs in excess of $174,000.

“It feels really great to help out the fleet in addition to Tripoli,” said Herms. “For me, personally, it’s another milestone completed in my Navy career.”

Herms added, while some parts of 2M come naturally to him, he feels he still has a lot to learn.

“We are really proud of ET2 Herms,” said Miller. “The hard work and dedication he has shown really highlights what he has to offer the Tripoli as a whole.”

“Petty Officer Herms makes all of 'Team Tripoli' proud!” said Tripoli Commanding Officer, Capt. Kevin P. Meyers. “His efforts will save the Navy money, while improving fleet readiness. And I get an awesome 2M technician as a bonus!”

Tripoli is currently under construction at Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi. When completed, the America-class amphibious assault ship will incorporate an enlarged hangar deck, enhanced maintenance facilities, increased fuel capacity and additional storerooms to provide the fleet with a platform optimized for aviation capabilities.

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