Southwest Regional Maintenance Center’s (SWRMC) contract oversight teams, in collaboration with ship’s force and industry partners, completed continuous maintenance availabilities (CMAV) to USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) on-time in October and November.
The timely completion ensured support for the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group’s underway schedule.
“This is a win for our teams, our organization, and the Fleet,” said Capt. Brian Karosich, SWRMC’s commanding officer. “It’s an example of what can be accomplished when there’s thoughtful planning, good communication between all parties, and excellent teamwork throughout the process.”
The USS Princeton’s 55-day CMAV concluded in October. During the maintenance period, work crews overhauled, repaired, replaced and installed parts and equipment, addressing all pre-identified and emerging repair casualties. SWRMC’s Waterfront Operations Department provided project management oversight while the Engineering Department provided technical assistance as needed.
The USS Sterett 44-day CMAV completed in November and involved the execution of 33 work items.
Project teams for both ships credited the cohesive partnership between SWRMC stakeholders, the ship’s representatives and industry partners as a critical component to their success. Planners for both availabilities also supported deadlines by asking the right questions to get an accurate sense of the scope of work early in the process.
“If we identify a problem with piping that needs repair and complete that job only to find additional problems beyond the immediate fix, these problems create added delays for our supply chain, logistics, and funding to try and course correct for timely completion,” said Tom Eason, branch head the Waterfront Operations Sustainment Division. “We need to work to understand the entire problem from the start.”
By minimizing growth work, maintenance teams with both projects were better equipped to overcome additional challenges and complete their availabilities on-schedule, offering case studies for future project management.
SWRMC provides superior ship maintenance, modernization, technical support, training, and innovative solutions to ensure ship readiness across the Fleet.