USS Bulkeley: Repair Division Making a Difference
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080404-10
Release Date: 4/4/2008 12:49:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Wyscaver, Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
USS BULKELEY, At Sea (NNS) -- As the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group's guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) continues its deployment, the ship's repair division is going the extra mile to ensure its ship is ready to handle any situation that may arise.
Many different types of divisions exist aboard every U.S. Navy vessel and each has an outlined set of responsibilities in order for the ship to function at full capability. Even though these tasks differ from Sailor to Sailor, the importance of each duty still remains essential to attain complete mission readiness.
"We have a variety of Sailors in our department who possess a variety of skill sets," explained Lt. j. g. Christopher DiGiovanna, damage control assistant aboard Bulkeley. "Some are specialized in damage control, some are welders, others are machinist and repairman and all together we really have a lot of different capabilities. We also cross-train which allows us to play a valuable role on board as far as keeping the ship safe and prepared in a good working order."
"We maintain the security and well-being of the ship as far as safety hazards, casualties and through detailed training we're prepared physically and mentally to combat a variety of situations," said Machinery Repairman 2nd Class (SW) Edward Ackerman, crash and salvage scene leader onboard Bulkeley.
The repair division aboard Bulkeley not only has many capabilities when it comes to ensuring the ship's safety but it has also set a standard to follow when it comes to work ethic.
"Every goal we set for ourselves we accomplish every time, especially when all the cards are on the table so to speak." said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Nathan Vaughn, repairman, maintenance technician and firefighter aboard Bulkeley. "When it comes to a casualty onboard there's no doubt in my mind that this unit will be able to handle it."
Due to the amount of responsibility this department faces day-in and day-out, some of the repair division Sailors explained that it's important to remain flexible at all times.
"It's critical we're ready to handle any situation that may arise at any given time during the day," said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Zachariah Richards, damage control team member.
"Flexibility is a great word to describe us and what we do. Not only do we have to be flexible with training but when responding to casualties quickly, professionally and efficiently to ensure nobody gets hurt," DiGiovanna added."
Being able to stay flexible and cross-train allows these Sailors to fully utilize their skill sets and provide many significant assets to the ship and strike group.
"My duties aboard include being the crash and salvage team leader, resident machinist, resident locksmith and graphic designer which all allow me to utilize my 16 years of naval experience while making the department stronger and diverse," Ackerman explained.
In order fulfill one's duty requirements and responsibilities, Sailors explained that it's truly important to take pride in your work and appreciate the job that's carried out.
"I love my job! My division is great, we have a lot of depth and work together like a family," said Vaughn.
"The Sailors that I have are the ones that really make it all work," DiGiovanna added. "They put in long hours, handle trouble calls, and train the rest of the crew as well as many other things. The blueshirts busting their tails every day is what makes the organization work, without their hard work I couldn't do my job."
For more news from the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/esg8/.
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