• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS Decatur Prepares for Maintenance, Material Management Certification

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100312-21
Release Date: 3/12/2010 9:11:00 PM

By Lt. j.g Desiree Timmons, Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Decatur (DDG 73) are getting "back to the basics" during preparations for their Maintenance and Material Management (3M) certification in June 2010.

From spot checks to equipment validation, Decatur's robust 3M program fosters a command climate that encourages rigorous self-assessment and accurate reporting of results. "I believe that our operationally intensive warfighting base instills a culture of continuous maintenance and system readiness," said Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Christopher J. Sweeney.

One of Decatur's 3M initiatives that encourages command-wide involvement is its 3M Training Team (TT), comprised of senior technicians and work center supervisors. Every week, the team conducts a mini-3M certification of one division; inspecting its Administration Effectiveness Review, equipment validations, and Current Ship Maintenance Project. 3M TT Leader, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Key said cross-departmental inspections allow them to be more critical and identify discrepancies that may have been overlooked.

"When it comes to 3M, you really need to understand the governing instructions and guidance," said Key. "That's why our focus is talking to the work center supervisors to ensure they have the information they need. The crew knows that 3M is a priority, not a placeholder."

In addition to its 3M TT, Decatur's close relationship with Afloat Training Group (ATG) San Diego has boosted the success of the 3M program. Senior Chief Electrician's Mate (SW/AW) Joven Payumo, the Ship's 3M Coordinator, has made it his personal responsibility to maintain close contact with his ATG counterparts.

"From the maintenance person, to the work center supervisor, we want to ensure everyone gets the proper training," said Payumo. Working closely with ATG provides the 3M TT the correct procedures and tips to move forward with their 3M program.

Command standards are reinforced and training continued daily during spot checks performed by khaki leadership. Evaluating the knowledge of the maintenance person and verifying proper procedures are two of Ensign Joe Mill's main concerns when performing spot checks.

"It's a standard practice," said Mills. "We're hard on 3M because we know that it maintains our equipment and keeps everything in good order."

Dedicating over 10 hours a week to his work center, Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Tyler Stone, can attest to the importance of 3M. "The maintenance is very necessary," said Stone. "We have a good attitude, because we know it keeps our equipment up and running."

From new check-ins to seasoned Sailors, the crew of Decatur knows the importance of 3M. For them, "3M is what makes your ship run, what keeps you going," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Frank Fox, 3M TT assistant coordinator.

In the coming months, Decatur plans to continue its steady strain on self-sufficiency and operational excellence by maintaining focus on 3M.