Aboard every Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship, preventative maintenance plays a critical role. For the crew of USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011), proper upkeep of the onboard equipment ensures the future success of every mission.

As an MSC Marine Prepositioning Force Ship (MPS), Lummus prepositions U.S. Marine Corps equipment, vehicles, and ammunition around the world for use in support of planned operations and in response to unforeseen events. The crew's dedication to upkeep results in the onboard equipment being ready to deploy at all times, fulfilling the Lummus's mission as an MPS.

"You never know when the Navy is going to come and say hey, we need the equipment," said Frank Muna, Improved Navy Lighterage System maintenance crewman. "We make sure we are 110 percent ready when we need to give the equipment out for use. We keep it ready for them, always."

Lummus is currently anchored in the Gulf of Thailand in support of Exercise Cobra Gold. The ship deployed 129 pieces of equipment in support of the exercise, each of which had undergone the rigorous Preventative Maintenance System (PMS) checks. Thoroughly inspecting every aspect of the gear ensured that no problem, regardless of size, could hinder the exercise.

"It is very important, no matter how small it is," said Sylvan Tudela, Improved Navy Lighterage System maintenance crewman. "In the long run, if you don't do that, the equipment will degrade, and pretty soon you are not going to be able to use it and you are going to have to replace the parts."

Tudela said past experience has taught him that commitment to performing proper maintenance on the equipment aboard the ship can help determine an operation's success or failure before the operation ever begins.

"Last year on an operation in the Philippines, we discharged boats with the lighterage system for the navy to use," explained Tudela. "I know if we didn't do those PMS inspections, the boats would not be in the water. They would be on the Lummus, doing nothing for the exercise, so it plays a very big role."

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