DECEMBER 19, 2016, ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) – The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) performed extremely well during their Maintenance Material Management Inspection (3MI), Dec. 12-15.
Trained inspectors combed the ship and departmental records to ensure the crew demonstrated their proficiency in maintaining and practicing effective material readiness during spot checks on damage control gear and other shipboard equipment.
George Washington scored 93.12 percent during the inspection, earning the second highest overall score in the carrier fleet in the last four years.
The fleet average for 3MI is calculated at 91.01 percent, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brian Nees, Force 3M Officer, N43. The ship scored above the average and was the highest we have seen in the last four years on the east coast.
The ship’s four major departments, Combat Systems, Air, Reactor, and Engineering, all scored above standards.
The 3MI team will fail a carrier if their top four departments do not pass the inspection, said Lt. Matt Reed, the ship’s 3M Officer (3MO). The ship also cannot receive the Battle “E” if they don’t pass.
During the visit, 250 planned maintenance system (PMS) spot checks were completed across 128 work centers by the aircraft carrier type commander (TYCOM) 3M inspection team.
TYCOM’s 3M inspection team resulted in an accomplishment confidence factor that was within .09 percent of GW’s, said Master Chief John McCauley, ship’s lead 3M coordinator (3MC). This proves that the 3MTT has a calibrated eye when grading maintenance practices.
The crew’s diligence with daily maintenance paved the way for success in the inspection.
I thought it went smooth, said Nees. The ship looked good, the crew was well trained, very knowledgeable, and ready to go.
The chain of command aboard George Washington received a word of thanks for its receptiveness and dedication to the mission.
I appreciate the welcoming arms and I appreciate everything that the crew put together, said Nees.
The 3MO, 3MC, and the whole 3M organization, captain, executive officer, and command master chief, everything was just perfect.
As the ship proceeds towards Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) in the Newport News shipyard, the crew™s productiveness and ability to strive forward has not decreased.
We will not give up ownership of our ship and equipment, said Senior Chief Petty Officer Shane Fridley, GW 3MC. It is our charge to ensure that items that are not getting repaired or replaced stay in ship-shape when this warship deploys once more. We need to give the next crew a great ship, and in order to do that we must take care of her just like we do our own cars.
By Seaman Oscar Albert Moreno Jr., USS George Washington Public Affairs