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Makin Island Supply Department Achieves High Marks in Management Certification

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100920-05
9/20/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Glenn Robertson, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) achieved a major readiness objective with the successful completion of the Supply Management Certification (SMC) following an inspection conducted by Afloat Training Group (ATG), Pacific and Surface Forces Pacific Sept. 15.

The command achieved outstanding ratings for its food service management, postal, retail, and general store programs.

Ens. Sophi Kim, USS Makin Island disbursing officer, said the purpose of SMC is to evaluate Supply Department's condition, administration, accountability and operations in order to determine if the department can effectively support the command in performing its primary mission. Kim was the quality assurance officer during the inspection. The grade of "Outstanding," reserved for commands earning a 95 to 100 percent score, denotes a command with a superior operation and no major discrepancies.

"Supply is integrated into pretty much every aspect of the ship," said Kim. "We outfit the crew with necessary parts and tools to carry on the primary mission, as well as supporting the personnel with daily necessary needs from chow to laundry."

Makin Island supply personnel began preparing for the inspection three months prior. Food Services led the charge, scoring a nearly perfect 99.55 percent for maintaining high standards in sanitation and customer service. The General Stores program, which includes Stock Control, Aviation Stores, Hazardous Materials, Stores, Quality Assurance, and Automated Data Processing, scored 97.40 percent. Retail Operations displayed their readiness with its score of 97.36 percent while the ship's postal service rounded out the tally with a score of 98.37 percent.

Makin Island Supply Officer Cmdr. Carla Meyers noted that while SMC is a supply-focused inspection, it requires ship-wide participation.

"We have super talented personnel from various departments TAD (temporary assigned duty) to Supply (Department) who are fully integrated members of the team," said Meyers.

The efforts of the more than 150 personnel, from Logistics Specialists to Ship's Servicemen to Culinary Specialists and Food Service Attendants, did not go unnoticed. ATG inspectors had high praise for all of those involved in the inspection, passing out kudos to more than 20 individuals and, in at least one case, an entire division.

"Not to be forgotten is the enthusiasm of the crew," said Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Mills, ATG senior type commander inspector. "They stepped up and showed real ownership of their ship."

Although the minimum qualifying score is 80 percent, the crew and department were not content with merely qualifying.

"Supply Department strives for excellence and perfection in everything we do," said Kim. "We were not shooting to meet the bare minimum score, but to set a visible paradigm for the entire Fleet. Now that we attained our goal, we are extremely proud to paint the ship's first 'Blue E'."