By
Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 1998 Richardson High School
graduate and Richardson, Texas 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 Alpana Trivedi
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 radar
navigation and maneuvering board problems.
“I enjoy the camaraderie at this command,” said Trivedi.
“I have been able to make a lot of friends which helps make the Navy an
enjoyable experience.”
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.
“People at this
command work well together and the leadership really looks after you,” said
Trivedi. “Plus, we are in San Diego so the weather is a bonus.”
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, Trivedi 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 think the Navy took me
outside of my comfort zone,” added Trivedi. “Of course, I am proud to serve my
country and it has allowed me to open myself to a lot more experiences. It
really expanded my horizons. There is always something new to learn no matter
your rank.”
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.