The mission of the Office of the Naval Inspector General (NAVINSGEN) is to independently and objectively inspect, investigate, and inquire into matters of importance to the Department of the Navy (DON). Within this mission, NAVINSGEN has two primary product lines – Investigations and Inspections.
NAVINSGEN’s Inspections, Evaluations and Intel Oversight Division conducts command inspections of major commands and area assessments across the major fleet concentration areas to identify and help correct readiness and quality of life issues. To accomplish high quality inspections and assessments, the Naval Inspector General (NAVIG) has enlists the help of subject matter experts (SMEs) from other staffs and commands to work with its core inspection team to inspect specific programs in their areas of expertise. Similarly, the DON hotline and senior officials divisions reach out to SMEs to consult on their investigations to ensure a correct result. Partnering with Enterprise SMEs has been proven to be an invaluable resource and an important aspect of maintaining fleet readiness.
Area Assessment and Command Inspection Teams are comprised of both NAVINSGEN inspectors and SMEs from across the Navy. Informed with focus group input and pre-inspection survey data, inspectors and SMEs review area installations’ top concerns, conduct inquiries and interviews, examine records, and visit installations around the world.
NAVINSGEN has an outsized impact on fleet readiness and sailor's quality of life by supporting them as an advocate for issues and concerns found through our inspections and investigations. Some recurring SMEs join the NAVINSGEN are Craig Ozaki, Michael Gramolini, and Michael Hill.
Craig Ozaki has contributed as an SME for NAVINSGEN since 2013 and has assisted four Navy Inspector Generals, Admiral Caldwell, Vice Admiral Shelanski, Vice Admiral Snyder, and Vice Admiral John Fuller. His specialization is Information Technology Infrastructure and Communications. “I was directed to support then VADM Caldwell in Cyber and information technology as a subject matter expert,” said Ozaki. “After the first Echelon II CI, I was a “by name request” to support CI’s and area assessments.” Mr. Ozaki has established his reputation as a trusted SME. He continues his support toNAVINSGEN because, “Supporting the NAVINSGEN is a great opportunity to actually observe our systems working ‘in the fleet’. I can also liaison directly with Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and their Program Offices to identify areas for better customer interactions.”
His command, Naval Information Warfare System Command Headquarters (NAVWAR, formerly known as Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command), is responsible for C4ISR and business systems in the Navy and Marine Corps.
Michael Gramolini has supported NAVINSGEN as an Ordnance and Explosive Safety SME since 2023. As a U.S. Fleet Forces Explosives Safety Officer and Logistics Specialist, Mr. Gramolini’s expertise assists with articulating official Navy explosive safety policy and procedures. According to Gramolini, he was influenced to assist NAVINSGEN, “to see how we are doing and where we need attention. I wanted to help keep us the best Navy in the world.”
Mr. Gramolini’s extensive knowledge has taken him to the Japan, San Diego, and Europe area assessments. He is highly connected, maintaining liaison with explosives safety representatives to address Navy-wide explosives safety issues to resolve disputes. His experience has been helpful to coordinate with commands to maintain safety awareness. What keeps him coming back? “The people, the team, and making a difference,” Gramolini said.
Michael Hill has been a Casualty Assistance Calls Program SME since 2023. Beginning his service in the Indo-Pacific Campaign area assessment, he has traveled to Singapore, Guam, Hawaii, Korea, Japan and San Diego with the NAVINSGEN team. He was present for the NAVSUP CI and Europe area assessment.
Mr. Hill believes that casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) exists to provide dignified, professional and compassionate care for next of kin (NOK) when a casualty occurs within the DON. “Providing this care is not just the right thing to do, but a vital and enduring mission that requires dedicated focus and teamwork,” said Hill.
This program is often be a difficult topic, but is vital to the mission. It ensures our fallen shipmates and their families are supported in their time of need. “As a SME to the NAVINSGEN Team, I am able to meet and assess a command's ability to effectively respond to a casualty event,” says Hill.
When asked what keeps him coming back, Hill said, “I feel the opportunity to support the NAVINSGEN mission has allowed me and the Casualty Assistance Calls Program to be more effective and efficient when supporting the Fleet, Fighter and Family.” Hill continued, “The NAVINSGEN Team has welcomed and supported my SME participation as if I was a member of the NAVINSGEN Team. The support and affirmation of the importance of my program and how if effects the mission of the Navy is invaluable.”
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2024 18:26 |
| Story ID: | 474946 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Hometown: | WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Inspections Insider: Subject Matter Experts, by Alesha Hernandez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
