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PCU George H.W. Bush Calibration Lab Generates Unique Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080124-11
Release Date: 1/24/2008 2:45:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle P. Malloy, PCU George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department calibration lab from the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is maintaining their Sailors' skill sets, despite not having a facility of their own, while the aircraft carrier is under construction at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard.

PCU Bush's calibration lab is currently sending their Sailors to a variety of alternate calibration labs for supplemental work experience.

The Navy calibration technicians are responsible for ensuring equipment, with a quantitative measure, works accurately in accordance with the system's specifications. Although there is no calibration lab yet aboard PCU Bush, the department's personnel continue to work and train hard.

"We are always actively looking to keep our guys employed in what they do," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW) Robert Derr, leading petty officer of PCU Bush's calibration lab.

According to Derr, the Sailors will commute to work in calibration labs throughout the surrounding Hampton Roads area. The department has maintenance agreements with both military commands and civilian counterparts where the Sailors perform extensive work with specialized equipment, gaining applicable experience.

"Working with different commands provides an overall, well-rounded training," said Derr.

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Stephen Rolka, a calibration technician aboard PCU Bush, has been stationed with the command for about a year and has worked in a variety of cooperative labs in the area.

Rolka said the training is a good opportunity for the new Sailors who have never worked in a calibration lab before.

"The early training is very effective for them, giving them more experience so when we move aboard the ship, there is less of a learning curve for them," said Rolka.

The department uses this kind of training so its technicians maintain and improve their job skills in calibration.

"Calibrating is not an easy job, keeping up with it is important," said Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kyle Arnold, a calibration technician aboard PCU Bush.

Sending Sailors to work in other environments proves to be beneficial for both sides involved. "Our guys are helping enhance other ships," said Derr.

The Sailors learn more about their jobs, and the receiving lab gains more workers for their job force.

"It's a good opportunity to network with other people throughout the fleet. It helps establish a good rapport with people you might work with later," said Rolka.

For Arnold, working in other labs has not only helped improve his job skills but also gives him a better idea of the type of people who work in his rate.

"At first, I was anxious to work in other calibration labs, but I realized that everyone in this rate has similar goals and everyone is easy to get along with," said Arnold.

Derr said the external training the department is now doing helps keep the Sailors prepared for the work load required of them once they move aboard the aircraft carrier.

"I need these guys to know what they're doing before we get on the ship," said Derr.

The department will continue to outsource its Sailors to other labs until the calibration lab moves aboard the aircraft carrier is available to use.