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Wasp's '#1 Pit Crew' Leading INSURV Charge

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080207-12
Release Date: 2/7/2008 9:09:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Stirrup, USS Wasp Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) is taking the proverbial "bull by the horns" and getting a head start with Inspection and Survey (INSURV) maintenance discrepancies thanks in part to its pre-INSURV team, "The #1 Pit Crew."

The team conducts general inspections of ship's compartments and workcenters that identify electrical, safety, water-tight door and damage control discrepancies, in addition to overall space appearance. So far, the #1 Pit Crew has found more than 20,000 minor discrepancies on the ship and, has already corrected thousands of them.

"'The #1 Pit Crew' was started to help the ship prepare for the INSURV inspection," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW) Larry Novak, the team's senior enlisted leader. "We wanted to help the ship identify discrepancies and improve the material condition of the ship."

The crew consists of 100 Sailors that are divided into various teams, among them are habitability, damage control, electrical, door and valve teams.

"The habitability team inspects the spaces and fixes the discrepancies in the troop berthings," said Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Simon Sam, the habitability team leader. "We have already fixed more than 50 percent of the [habitability] discrepancies."

"The valve team fixes any valves that have malfunctions or that are broken," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate Fuels 3rd Class Anthony Clarence. "We also preserve and paint the valves and make labels for them."

Novak said although the actual INSURV inspection isn't until early 2009, Wasp will continue to work diligently. He added that it's never too early to start correcting problems.

"We are continuing to do work on INSURV discrepancies because we don't want to lose any knowledge that has already been gained," Novak said. "We do not want to rush to complete work when the INSURV inspection comes around next year. We're well on our way to having a successful inspection."

For more news from USS Wasp, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd1/.