Month: September 2022

Source: United States Navy

When an organization’s operations rely on more than 40,000 electronic technical data publications, what happens during a network outage?

The foresight, planning and attention to detail the team shows while ensuring that every facet of the operation continues to meet the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) standard for technical publications libraries garnered high praise, said Stuart Clayton, head of the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Engineering Department at FRCE.

“The team was acknowledged as the program that sets the standard for technical libraries across the Navy,” Clayton said. “Their technical excellence, timeliness, accountability and continuous improvement resulted in special recognition by the Aircraft Maintenance Management Team conducting the inspection, and was well-deserved.”

The NAVAIR Aircraft Maintenance Management Team (AMMT) inspected 497 total programs at FRCE’s Cherry Point operation, and the performance of the depot’s Central Technical Publication Library (CTPL) was included in the assessments of several programs. Senior Chief Petty Officer Austin Vanderbilt, who evaluated the CTPL during the inspection, said he was impressed by the skill and professionalism demonstrated by the CTPL team.

“It is truly amazing how well prepared the Central Technical Publication Library and every Dispersed Technical Publication Library were when interacting with the evaluator,” Vanderbilt said. “The CTPL has gone above and beyond to ensure every portion of this extremely large library is above standards. All aspects of this program are well tracked, organized and executed to perfection. FRC East is now the standard to which I will inspect for the rest of my tour on the Aircraft Maintenance Management Team.”

Melisa Jones, head of the Technical Document Library Branch within MRO Engineering at FRCE, said it was rewarding to see her team’s hard work and attention to detail recognized and celebrated.

“It was very gratifying,” she said. “In the past three and a half years, the team has really come a long way. When I came on board as the supervisor in December 2018, my vision for this library was to be the library that all the other libraries at the Fleet Readiness Centers wanted to imitate, and we’re slowly but surely getting there.”

Other organizations have visited FRCE’s library in order to get a more in-depth understanding of operations, she said, because they want to emulate the setup in their own facilities.

“That’s pretty exciting, when you have someone come and ask how we do something so they can do it the same way,” Jones added.

The CTPL team maintains its superior level of performance by proactively focusing on continuous process improvement, Jones said.

“We are constantly working at process improvement and trying to find a better way to do our jobs within the guidelines,” she explained. “We’re always striving to move forward; we don’t ever want somebody coming behind us and telling us that we’ve missed something. We’re always trying to keep one foot ahead and move ahead with the times.”

As naval aviation moves toward a more digital environment, that continuous process improvement includes developing measures that can mitigate impact in case of power or network outages, Jones said. In examining the possibilities, the team worked with a contractor to develop a system that keeps the more than 40,000 pieces of electronic technical data used at FRCE up to date on a portable electronic maintenance aid (PEMA) housed at the CTPL, with refreshes conducted twice a week.

“In January there was a big outage, and we decided to be proactive rather than reactive,” she said. “We started looking into what we could do to prevent a work stoppage if this type of situation were to occur again. How can we keep working and still support the fleet?”

An automated script runs twice a week and checks the depot’s electronic data repository – the electronic storage retrieval system, or ESRS – for updates to the electronic technical data used at FRCE. Any available updates are downloaded to the CTPL’s in-house PEMA, which is available for use in the case of an outage.

“We have everything here that our artisans use, current and backed up on these PEMAs, and they can come to the CTPL and check out a temporary PEMA to use until the system comes back up,” Jones said. “That way, we’re never seeing FRCE’s artisans in a work stoppage because they don’t have access to the information they need from us.”

The team has also helped reduce the number of paper publications at FRCE from 12,000 to just 4,700 in a span of three years, representing an almost 66% reduction. As this reduction takes place, they also provide FRCE’s workforce with training on how to access the electronic versions of the technical data.

“Patricia (Barr) provides the artisans with training right there in their shops, on their laptops, on how to log in to ESRS and access the information they need,” Jones said. “If they don’t have access, we get them access and have it approved immediately. We teach them how to use the system correctly, and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback on that. We teach them how to fish instead of fishing for them.”

This type of forward thinking, coupled with a robust training program for the library’s team members, has yielded positive results and garnered praise and recognition.

“The evaluator said we probably have the most robust training system he’s ever seen,” Jones said. “We provide training to our team every month on every aspect of our job, so we know that when we go out and do the work, we’re doing it correctly. We’re very organized with everything we do, and he was very impressed with all of that.

“Without us, our artisans wouldn’t have the latest and greatest technical data they need to go out and work on these aircraft,” she continued. “We’re actually helping with product safety and quality when we come up with these solutions, helping production move forward and maybe even speeding it up a bit. And none of this would be possible without every one of my team members. We have a fantastic team, and we’re making a difference here.”

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

Source: United States Navy

During the event, Capt. Gene Cash, commanding officer, NAVSUP BSC, recognized the contributions of more than 600 civilian employees and presented the command’s annual awards for 2022.

“Even through a worldwide pandemic, you exhibited resilience, agility, and focus on the mission,” said Cash. “Thank you all for what you do daily for your Navy and our country.”

Tina Cancel, who served as the comptroller for NAVSUP BSC during the awards period, was recognized as Leader of the Year for her exemplary financial leadership enabling the delivery of information technology (IT) and information management solutions to the fleet.

“We all serve the fight in our own way, and I am very proud of the ground gained during my tenure as comptroller. I feel fortunate to have been able to serve and learn by leading the small and mighty team,” said Cancel.

Rhonda Bauriedl, an IT specialist for One Touch Support (OTS), received the Senior Employee of the Year award for her performance as the OTS lead analyst.

Bauriedl also completed a development opportunity in the Department of Navy Government Purchase Card Program Office and served as scrum master for three Robotic Process Automation teams comprised of Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Scholars during the year.

“Being recognized for my contributions at NAVSUP BSC is a great honor,” said Bauriedl. “Being afforded the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of people in pursuit of a common goal in support of the warfighter, and then receiving this recognition to do so, is both an honor and a highlight of my career at BSC. I appreciate those around me who have always been willing to support me in my efforts, and I can only hope that I can pay it forward in the same manner.”

Kathryn Gaul, an IT specialist for the Afloat Applications branch, received the Junior Employee of the Year award for performance as the senior analyst for the Hazardous Inventory Control System for Windows (HICSWIN) and Hazardous Inventory Control System (HICS) 4.0 applications.

“I was extremely honored and grateful to receive the award for 2022 Junior Employee of the Year,” said Gaul. “To me, this award means that the work I do is recognized and appreciated by my supervisors and the command.”

Tito Malig, an IT specialist for One Touch Support (OTS), was named Command Support Employee of the Year for his performance as the OTS trainer. Malig provided classroom and virtual training as well as user support to more than 1,300 military, civilian, and contractor personnel.

“I am truly honored and humbled by the trust and faith of my supervisor,” said Malig. “I hope I can continue to excel and improve in my position, especially when creating an environment for the team to do their best.”

The Robotic Process Automation team received the Team of the Year award for efforts in developing six attended automations and two unattended automations that increase value-to-mission and scale efficiencies across the NAVSUP Enterprise. Their efforts led to a combined 14,118 labor hours saved from deployed automations, exceeding the annual goal of 12,000.

The team also played a key support role with the DoD Cyber Scholars during their summer session, working with 12 students to complete UiPath training and develop automations.

NAVSUP BSC Team of the Year recipients included: Darien Alleyne, Allison Hollie, Kaz Ieraci, Kyle Ivory, Edward Pykosh, Tracy Riegle, and Shanna Tobias.

“Receiving this award means that we have come together as a cohesive team,” said Kaz Ieraci, an IT specialist and member of the RPA team. “We can work together to provide automation solutions to our customers, as well as troubleshoot and solve technical issues that occur to ensure that our automations continue satisfying our customers’ needs.”

Following the presentation of awards, Lynn Briggs, a former supervisory IT project manager, and Becky Quarry, a former supervisory IT specialist, policy and planning, were inducted into the NAVSUP BSC Hall of Fame.

During her 35-year career with NAVSUP BSC, Briggs successfully led multiple branches in the Technology Services Department and served as project manager for NAVSUP Defense Research and Engineering Network and Defense Information Systems Agency server hosting, enterprise architect, and NAVSUP webmaster.

Quarry served in a variety of positions during her 38-year NAVSUP BSC career. She served as the director of the NAVSUP Solutions department, the Defense Solutions department, the Logistics Solutions department, and the Strategic Workforce Planning team.

Also recognized during the ceremony were: Thomas Wirfel, data strategist; Dirk Henry, NAVSUP commercial wireless project lead; and Matthew Dyer, Retail Operations Management systems expert, who each received the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award.

Wirfel was recognized for his efforts with the Navy Data Platform (NDP) from March 2014 to June 2022. As the data strategy lead, he executed leadership in standing up the Netezza platform and more than 40 unique interfaces including Navy Enterprise Resource Planning.

Henry was recognized for his efforts from January 2013 to March 2022 when he successfully designed and maintained the NAVSUP Commercial Wireless Network.

Dyer was recognized for his efforts from January 1999 to July 2022 supporting numerous applications for the NAVSUP Enterprise.  Most notably, Dyer spent countless hours including nights and weekends supporting the warfighter with technical assistance for the Retail Operations Management application.

“While 16 employees received recognition this year, there were more than 120 nominees for team and individual awards,” said Brian Zirbel, executive director, NAVSUP BSC. “The competition was fierce and I feel exceptionally privileged to lead a team of truly talented and committed professionals.”

NAVSUP BSC provides the Navy with information systems support through the design, development, and maintenance of systems in the functional areas of logistics, supply chain management, transportation, finance, and accounting and is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP.

For more information about NAVSUP BSC, visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/NAVSUP-Enterprise/NAVSUP-Business-Systems-Center/.

Source: United States Navy

“Our mission is diverse and may surprise folks,” said Capt. Maurice Buford, NAVCENT’s lead chaplain. “How we care for one another has a ripple effect and our goal is to ensure we inject care and heart into the mission.”

Comprised of nearly two dozen military and civilian personnel stationed across the Middle East, Buford’s team is strategically positioned to assist service members and their families with personal and professional challenges.

“Sometimes a Sailor just needs to be heard and a chaplain can provide a confidential ear,” said Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Mauricio Melo. “When needed, we provide referrals to the Fleet and Family Support Center, career counseling office or financial aid office to address specific issues.”

Taking care of Sailors is their primary focus, but the Religious Ministries Team also contributes to the U.S. 5th Fleet mission in other areas. For instance, they regularly organize community service opportunities to strengthen regional relationships.

Over the past year Buford’s team has coordinated more than 40 community service events with 800 volunteers. These efforts included the donation of $13,000 worth of educational, medical and personal care items to organizations that support communities in need.

“I worked alongside other Sailors during a general clean-up at a school and also read to patients with special needs,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Darryl Taylor. “The experience was profound. For the first time, I was not only able to step outside of my rate but also step outside of my personal comfort zone to contribute to a good cause.”

In addition to leading community service initiatives, the Religious Ministries Team regularly interacts with counterparts from other nations.

Most recently, Buford’s team met with military officials and civilian medical personnel in Jordan to share best practices on caring for service members dealing with life challenges. The discussions covered trauma care, warrior toughness, spiritual readiness and compassion fatigue.

“It is truly a privilege to care for our own Marines and Sailors, but it’s especially an honor to advise others on a global platform.” said Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Box, a military chaplain who specializes in counseling individuals coping with moral injuries.

One of the newest initiatives led by the Religious Ministries Team is Treasures of the Nation, a leadership course for service members and civilians that encourages self-reflection, offers practical leadership tools and supports open dialogue in professional settings.

The course specifically encourages Sailors to model principles that reinforce standards of professional excellence. Presenters teach participants signature behaviors the Navy encourages 21st Century Sailors to emulate. At its core, the course emphasizes treating one another with dignity and respect.

“Treasures of the Nation training reminds people that we are all valuable and should be treated as such,” said Information System Technician 1st Class Devon Pace. “I am deeply grateful for this initiative.”

So far, the Religious Ministries Team and five volunteers have facilitated 15 courses with more than 150 participants since October 2021.

“Religious and pastoral care is just one service we proudly provide but we are so much more,” said Buford. “Come volunteer, interact with the community and see first-hand how every service member and family member here is truly a global ambassador while stationed in U.S. 5th Fleet.”