By
Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader, Navy
Public Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2006 Whittier Christian High School
graduate and Norwalk, California native is serving
in the U.S. Navy as part of a team supporting one of the country’s most
versatile combat ships.
Petty
Officer 2nd Class Brandon Lamm is an operations specialist and a member of Commander, LCS Squadron One which
supports
both variants of littoral combat ships
based in San Diego.
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for supporting the
ships by monitoring message traffic, making sure ships get the help that they
need.
“I like the interaction with people the most,” said
Lamm. “Being able to help people when they need help makes me feel good about
my job.”
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.
“I like my division,” said Lamm. “We have a diverse
group of people, and every single one of them brings something of value,
whether it be personality or background, that makes working with them
interesting.”
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, Lamm 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've always wanted to
join the military,” added Lamm. “I don't regret my decision. We're not perfect
in America, but we're the best country in the world when it comes to
opportunity. Being in the military is giving back to the country.”
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.