Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class David J Claypool | PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 9, 2017) Maintenance and Material Management (3M) Inspector U.S....... read more read more
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Inspectors put the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN68) to the test during a maintenance and material management inspection (3MI), Nov. 9-11.
A 19-member team from Commander, Naval Air Forces in San Diego conducted the inspection to assess the crew’s ability to perform maintenance per instruction and on the required periodicity. Nimitz’ crew did exceptionally well in all aspects.
“3MI is an extremely tough inspection,” said Capt. Kevin Lenox, commanding officer of Nimitz. “The whole point is to find out if the ship is completing its required maintenance, and to find out if the crew is doing the maintenance the right way.”
The inspection is the culmination of more than a year’s efforts, through multiple assessments and training visits. At each stage, Nimitz crew members learned more about proper maintenance practices and the paperwork required to document it.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen a ship pass a 3MI with such a wide margin,” said Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate Wally Plettner, from Helena, Mont., Nimitz’ lead 3M chief. “It’s truly incredible that a ship this large was able to get 3,200 Sailors all pulling together to get where we are today.”
Nimitz Sailors demonstrated their 3M proficiency by completing spot checks on damage control gear and other shipboard equipment. The 3M inspectors assessed different areas of the 3M realm including hazardous materials, digital databases, and historical maintenance. Additionally, the inspectors looked at how well the shipboard examiners were doing their job and gave training on areas in which the crew could improve.
“My biggest kudos and my heartiest thanks go out to all the junior Sailors -- the ones who did the maintenance and passed the spot checks,” said Lenox.
The crew was confident they had the knowledge and ability to effectively, safely and properly perform maintenance; and they now have the score to prove it.
“Professionalism and perseverance is a part of everything we do and I truly believe we’re going to maintain that standard transiting home, during our upcoming availability, and returning Nimitz back out to sea,” said Nimitz Command Master Chief Jimmy Hailey. “Teamwork is a tradition and is a way of life on board and I am proud to be a part of this crew.”
The maintenance inspection was one of the last hurdles for the ship and her crew before starting the journey home after a long deployment.
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has patrolled the Indo-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional security, stability and prosperity.
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2017 07:27 |
| Story ID: | 255230 |
| Location: | PACIFIC OCEAN |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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