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Patriot Preps for SMC Inspection

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070723-09
Release Date: 7/23/2007 12:15:00 PM

By Chief Electrician's Mate (SW) Noel B. Corneja, USS Patriot Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The Supply Department of forward-deployed mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) is in full swing this summer preparing for the scheduled Supply Management Certification (SMC) inspection in October.

Patriot’s supply personnel are being assisted by a team from Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 Detachment Sasebo, headed by Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Dennis M. Manacup.

This inspection includes review of food management and record keeping.

“Everything looks good, including the operations in food service, which is one of the most important keys for a successful inspection.”

After a thorough inspection of food service records, he emphasized the importance of keeping precise documentation, including checks and balances of food supplies for crew consumption.

Senior Chief Store Keeper (SW/AW) Romel E. Gonzales also emphasized the importance of record keeping, including accountabilities of repair parts.

“The inspection team wants to see the smooth operation from ordering to (dissemination) of parts to customers,” said Gonzales. “So, we as the immediate superior in command (ISIC), want to ensure that needed components are properly carried onboard and available in the supply storeroom during deployments or in port. The crew is prepared well, and I can see that the crews are eager to get the ship certified.”

Personnel from Mine Countermeasures Squadron 1 of Ingleside, Texas, and Mine Countermeasures Division 11 based in Sasebo are also involved with the preparations.

“One of our purposes of visiting Patriot is helping the ship prepare for the Supply Management Certification, we make sure that once the actual inspectors arrive, the supply department is fully ready,” said Storekeeper 1st Class Ronald V. Casas. “We are trying to give Patriot the best assist possible, because the success of this ship is also our success."

The food service division of supply is also busy in the galley and food preparation area.

"We are bringing everything up to our standards and are doing it well, said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Santiago A. Miyagishima, the leading culinary specialist. "This is not my first inspection but this is the first inspection for me onboard Patriot. Of course there’s always a lot of new things to learn, and will take a lot of dedication from all of us, it’s definitely a team effort.”

Senior leaders aboard Patriot are grateful for the help in getting Patriot inspection ready.

“This helpful assist by the CTF 76 Det. Sasebo team is really critical. By giving us a fresh set of eyes on how we do business onboard Patriot, it ensures we are meeting the Surface Navy’s goal of continual readiness and quality service. It also highlights the high level of teamwork between ship and ISIC within the forward-deployed naval forces. With our busy schedules, we definitely can’t do it all alone, so the work and effort we’ve received from the assist team will definitely help to increase our quality of work and service for our Sailors,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tom Shultz, commanding officer of Patriot.

While Patriot is moored at India 2 pier and preparing for inspection, the ship is also conducting its post deployment ship repair availability, keeping the ship ready to deploy at any given time.

Patriot is a mine countermeasures ship operating out of Sasebo, Japan, and serving under Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, which is based out of Okinawa with an operating detachment in Sasebo.