YOKOSUKA, Japan — Rear Adm. Tom Anderson, commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center (CNRMC) and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Deputy Commander of Ship Maintenance and Modernization (SEA 21) continues his mission to meet as many Regional Maintenance Center (RMC) Sailors and civilians within his first 90 days.
His most recent tour included a visit to Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC), a binational workforce based in Yokosuka with a mission to keep the U.S. 7th Fleet operationally ready.
Anderson recognized the accomplishments of Japanese civilian personnel in the command’s welding shop and machine shop, presenting them with a commemorate plaque for a job well done. The awardees, one from each shop, displayed expertise, safety and efficiency, all while playing a major role in the critical repairs for USS Milius (DDG 69).
“People that operate the machinery and equipment vital to the success of our mission are the best source of information,” Anderson said. “The focus of my visit is to connect with as many of you as possible, to help me make informed decisions. In these particular shops, I was told about exceptional personnel that know their jobs well. Their performance embodies the spirit that leads to operational success.”
In his exchanges with Sailors, U.S. and Japanese civilians, Anderson encouraged collaboration and information sharing with other RMCs, referring to SRF-JRMC’s unique ability to overcome cultural and language barriers, insisting this skill can help other RMCs with their missions. In many cases, Anderson was guided through SRF-JRMC’s facilities by the command’s group masters, but often stopped to speak with various division heads or Japanese apprentices aided by translators.
Meeting personnel in SRF-JRMC’s machinist shop, U.S. and Japanese civilian personnel displayed how the latest technologies are used to repair the Navy’s oldest deployable warship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), through the use of 3D printers and 3D scanners to fix electrical systems on the ship.
Capt. Neil Sexton, SRF-JRMC commanding officer, who assumed command on May 24, shared with Anderson that one of his priorities is to drive implementation of SRF-JRMC’s 2019–2025 strategic plan to continue to drive innovation into the readiness generation process.
Anderson assumed command of CNRMC and SEA 21 on May 31 and has completed visits to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC), Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC), Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC), Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF), Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and IMF, and now SRF-JRMC.