By
Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader,
Navy Public Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2002 William E. Grady High School
graduate and Brooklyn native is serving
in the U.S. Navy as part of a team supporting one of the country’s most
versatile combat ships.
Senior
Chief Calvin Hou
is
a logistics specialist and a member of the Logistics Support Team which supports both variants of littoral
combat ships based in San Diego.
A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for buisness administration working
in supply and logistics.
“I like being a logistics specialist because it allows
us to have customer service and interact with a lot of people and companies,
both inside and outside the military,” said Hou.
The LCS platform has a unique manning concept called
“3-2-1,” where three crews serve aboard two different littoral combat ships,
one of which is deployed. This
innovative manning concept allows the LCS to spend
more time forward deployed without overtaxing the crew, according to Navy
officials.
Designed to
defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, littoral combat ships are a bold departure from
traditional Navy shipbuilding programs. The LCS sustainment strategy was
developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its
associated mission modules.
“Taking care of the new LCS program, you see where the
Navy is headed and the future and that makes it all worth it,” said
Hou.
According to
Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an 18-month training pipeline,
sailors have to qualify on a simulator that is nearly identical to the
ship. This intense and realistic
training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities
immediately upon stepping onboard.
"Sailors that work aboard this platform are expected to
be capable of performing a variety of tasks to assist in the completion of the
LCS mission," said Capt. Warren R Buller, Commander, LCS Squadron One.
"The training that is required of our sailors is
rigorous and difficult. This ensures that they are mission ready to defend and
protect America at all times."
As a service
member supporting the LCS mission, Hou explained they are building a legacy that
will last beyond their lifetimes. Sailors know how important it is for the Navy
to develop new war fighting capabilities to continue their success on the
world’s oceans.
“I'm giving my kids, and
all the future kids in the world, a good life,” said Hou. “You're taking care
of the future of the world by serving your country. You also get to see the
world and experience all the benefits the Navy has to offer.”
Through
innovative planning, the design of systems, and crew requirements, the LCS
platform allows the fleet to increase forward presence and optimize its
personnel, improving the ability of the Navy to be where it matters, when it
matters.