Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Vice Adm. Tom Rowden presented three Sailors with the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Gold Disk Awards at the American Society of Naval Engineers' Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium (FMMS) at the San Diego Convention Center, Aug. 16.

Interior Communications Specialist 1st Class Johnathan Grinols, stationed aboard USS Stockdale (DDG 106); Electronics Technician 2nd Class Oscar Ray, stationed aboard USS Decatur (DDG 73); and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Dakota Lovekeys, stationed aboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), were each presented a letter of commendation from the CNO and a $2,000 cash reward, in front of more than 200 naval engineers and industry professionals, for their dedication to technical expertise in the Module Test and Repair (MTR) Program.

"It's young Sailors like this that do superb work, which directly enhances the readiness and sustainability of ships' systems," said Rowden. "It is my privilege and honor to present these awardees. Bravo Zulu!"

Guided by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), the MTR Program develops and provides electrical and electronic module test and repair capabilities to afloat and ashore maintenance facilities. The goal of MTR is to save money through cost avoidance and reduced turn-around time from diagnosis to repair.

Gold Disk developers are experts in the field of micro-miniature repair, using their expertise to develop standard procedures for repairs through the MTR program. Utilizing schematics and various technologies, they develop engineered step-by-step processes for other technicians to use when troubleshooting or repairing circuit cards, modules and electronic systems.

According to Huntron, a supplier of tools for DoD engineers and technicians who test, diagnose and troubleshoot printed circuit assemblies, the program yielded $37,163,983 in cost avoidance in fiscal year 2014 (FY14) by affecting 8,367 repairs from 564 casualty reports. Since the program began in FY96, Huntron has reported a cost avoidance of $679.49 million for the Navy. The total cost to fund the program since FY96 has been $70.83 million, resulting in a $608.66 million savings.

This year's FMMS carries the theme "Build. Maintain. Modernize. Shaping the Future Fleet." The symposium is an annual event that brings together the naval ship maintenance and modernization community and features guest speakers, panelists and presentations from Navy, Coast Guard, industry and academia. It provides an opportunity to learn from and interact with senior military and civil service decision makers, ship and craft operators and maintainers, repair and maintenance personnel, designers, builders, planners, engineers, program managers, life cycle engineers, equipment suppliers and other technical experts.

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