Courtesy Photo | EN1 Michael Costanzo, the assistant materials officer at Maritime Prepositioning Ships...... read more read more
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One newly promoted first class petty officer says he used to spend his time in his “natural habitat,” turning wrenches in ships’ engine rooms. Now, he’s responsible for making sure a squadron of ships is ready to conduct any mission assigned.
EN1 Michael Costanzo, the assistant materials officer at Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 2, is charged with making sure MPSRON 2 ships operating throughout the Indo-Pacific Region are “ship shape.”
The Military Sealift Command ships that make up Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 2 ensure U.S. forces have the equipment they need, when they need it, wherever that might be in the Indo-Pacific Region. These ships’ crews strategically position essential equipment and supplies so they are rapidly available.
“All our ships need to be mission ready at all times, to be available when called upon,” the Oak Ridge North, Texas, native said.
“If equipment breaks and it cannot be fixed in a timely manner, we are unable to perform our duties and accomplish our mission. I ensure that the ships have the support they need to conduct repairs and maintain mission readiness.”
To get the job done, Costanzo has to coordinate with senior officers, contractors, other commands, and host nation governmental agencies. He admits he’s a bit out of his element but is learning a lot.
“This job has forced me to move outside of my comfort zone. Communicating with ships' captains and chief engineers is something I've always thought higher ranking officers do,” Costanzo says.
“The spectrum of tasks I've been assigned and performed is far from what I'd expect if assigned as a first class engineman at any other command.”
While he admits it's all a bit new to him, Costanzo says he’s learned not be afraid to move outside of his comfort zone and to be flexible. He adds that one of the key elements to his personal and professional growth is the team he works with at MPSRON 2 and that he’s grateful for the assistance his shipmates, chiefs, and officers provide.
“There is a great group of people here at this command, and the availability of assistance has been invaluable,” the Lone Star College grad said. “I'd like to thank the command for their trust and providing me the opportunities to perform and help make a difference.”
In addition to his primary maintenance-related responsibilities, Costanzo has contributed to the command’s mission accomplishment in a number of other ways, some he says he never expected. For example, he serves as a line coach, assisting with firearms training and range safety; taking active roles in exercise and training; learning new navigational tactics, techniques and procedures. Additional duties include reviewing casualty reports, verification of corrective repairs and coordinating repair parts and services for MPSRON 2 ships. He is the command’s building manager and ensures the serviceability and habitability of three separate buildings; schedules and conducts tests as a urinalysis coordinators; and is an active member in the Junior Enlisted Association.
“The variety of things I've learned and done have, without a doubt, helped me improve myself both individually and professionally,” Costanzo says.
The leadership throughout MPSRON 2 recognizes the contributions Costanzo makes to the command’s mission and are committed to his – and fellow shipmates’ -- development. During advancement season, the MPSRON 2 Chiefs’ Mess combed through his personnel record, ensuring every point counted so he could be promoted. The meticulous oversight led to Costanzo’s frocking to his current rank on July 21.
“I’m thankful for the chiefs who took the extra time for me,” the off-duty sail boater and avid country music fan said.
Costanzo graduated from Oak Ridge North High School in 2009 and from Lone Star College in 2014 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in computer networking. He enlisted in the Navy in 2016. After boot camp and his initial training, Costanzo served on USS Germantown (LSD 42). The tour with MPSRON 2 is his first with Military Sealift Command.
“Working with MSC has been a unique and rewarding opportunity. The variety of things one can learn and do and the small close-knit community are great reasons to join MSC,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2021 05:38 |
| Story ID: | 403707 |
| Location: | U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY |
| Web Views: | 255 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, From the Engine Room to the Bridge, First Class Petty Officer Ensures Ships' Readiness, by Leslie Hull-Ryde, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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