The Micro-Miniature Electronic Repair (2M) shop aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)(Ike) is leading the fleet in circuit card, fiber optic and small electronic repair efficiency, Feb. 11.

"My guys put in tireless effort in every repair that came to our shop," said Ensign Damian Powell, the divisional officer for Ike's 2M shop. "Their determination is shown by being the most cost-saving 2M division in the fleet."

Ike 2M saved the Navy nearly $627,000 last fiscal year, more than $308,000 of which was in the last quarter alone, restoring equipment the ship would otherwise have had to repurchase. "We're executing the main purpose of the 2M program: saving the Navy money," said Electronics Technician 1st Class Danny Garcia, the 2M shop leading petty officer.

"We replace a 50-cent component on a $50,000 circuit card-instead of having to replace the card itself-because of the skills of a 2M technician."

The closest runner up to Ike was the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), which saved more than $618,000 in 2M shop costs. The closest among aircraft carriers was USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) at close to $325,000 in savings.

"Our 2M team is very efficient," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Michael Whitson, 2M's maintenance supervisor. "Like any shop, we have our good and bad days, but in the end we pull together and get it done."

Last fiscal year, Ike's 2M division completed a total of 60 repairs including one averted CASREP, fixing everything from steering units to communications equipment.

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Miles Sheahan, 2M's work center supervisor, said they are fully capable of continuing these repairs while the ship is underway.

"We're all on the same wavelength," Sheahan said. "We all have our strengths, and when we work together, I think we can solve any problem that comes into our shop."

Powell said Ike will continue to lead the fleet in mission readiness while preparing for its upcoming deployment.

"We'll continue to move forward," Powell said. "As our new guys come in, we'll train them up and continue to do great work."

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.