By
Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2005 Kearny High School
graduate and San Diego, 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 Robert Rubi
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 supporting six
LCS ship with procurement of all supplies.
“I like that fact that everything starts from here,”
said Rubi. “The ship won't get fixed if the supplies don't come. We are the
ones that make sure the ships have what they need.”
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 the fact that this command gives you time for family
and personal time,” said Rubi. “I am trying to get back into college and they
are very supportive of that goal.”
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, Rubi 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.
“Serving in the Navy means
making a difference,” added Rubi. “I am able to be a role model to my son. He
likes the Navy and it's great to be able to inspire him.”
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.