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San Antonio's Advanced Engineering Mission Readiness Effectiveness, Efficiency

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081005-04
Release Date: 10/5/2008 3:02:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea (NNS) -- New technologies and network-based processes are having a significant impact on USS San Antonio (LPD 17)during their first deployment as part of the USS Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group.

San Antonio engineering department's new systems are improving efficiency and ensuring mission readiness. One of those new systems is the Engineering Control System (ECS).

"The Engineering Control System is a computer-based system that provides remote monitoring and control of the propulsion, fuel, electrical, auxiliary, damage control and ballast systems," said Cmdr. Kurt Kastner, San Antonio's commanding officer.

For the engineers aboard San Antonio, managing the engineering spaces and workload is less tasking with ECS.

"We can have the same amount of work as all the other ships in the fleet, but we can have less manual labor due to our engineering systems running on remote," said Chief Warrant Officer William Rivera, San Antonio's main propulsion officer.

ECS has also made a positive impact on engineering watch standing in the Central Control Station.

"In Central Control, our watch standers can manage our water, propulsion and five diesel generators through computers networked through the Ship Wide Area Network, or SWAN," added Rivera.

SWAN is the first computer-run network to be the backbone of vital ship components, such as engineering, navigation and steering.

The increased efficiency also benefits other shipboard departments. Most departments rely on the engineering department's capabilities and services, in one way or another, to complete their missions that support Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

"The combat systems department requires Engineering's electrical division to provide 400 Hz and electrical power to radars and missiles," said Engineman 1st Class (SW/AW) James Moss. "The operations department cannot maneuver without the immediate response and talents of the main propulsion division providing engine plant integrity, and the auxiliary control department provides cooling systems to vital electrical systems."

San Antonio's engineers are proving to be an essential asset on the ship's maiden deployment and have set high standards for themselves.

"Our engineers show great dedication and professionalism," said Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class (SW) Marcus White. "I am looking forward to a continued successful deployment that will set the benchmark high for all LPD-17-class ships to follow."

San Antonio is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.