By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey Trinh, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN - A Green Cove Springs, Florida, native is currently serving in the Metrology and Calibration (METCAL) Laboratory aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), which was recently recognized by Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) as fiscal year 2021’s number one carrier for calibration activity, Oct. 4.
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| Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Hatfield |
Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Hatfield, an aircraft intermediate maintenance department (AIMD) work center supervisor, aided in the METCAL Laboratory’s success.
“This is our second year being number one for carriers,” said Hatfield. “We were number one overall last year, but still number one for carriers which is awesome! We don’t get too much recognition, so it is incredibly validating and motivating to know what we do is seen and matters.”
The METCAL lab oversees the calibration of all parts and equipment from the ship, aircrafts, engines and more. The calibration must meet a specific standard of material readiness as governed by the Type Commander.
“There are over 12,000 calibration assets onboard ranging from six to 36 month calibration cycles, just about everything onboard that deals with pressure, temperature, mechanical and electrical equipment,” said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Rory Kelly, from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, the METCAL leading chief petty officer. “In a year, our throughput is about 550 items monthly, so approximately 6,600 items a year.”
Twenty-two personnel from AIMD, engineering, reactor and air department, maintain the lab which supports 118 work centers aboard the ship, said Kelly. Improper calibration can lead to excessive wear, damage, or equipment failure.
“The core of our success lies in our two-pronged philosophy that we live by,” said Kelly. “Excellence and dedication to each and every customer that walks through our doors, followed by ‘Always Be Calibrating’ which is instilled in our technicians from day one checking on board.”
The fleetwide standard is 85 percent in material readiness. Truman consistently maintains an average range of 97 to 98 percent in material readiness.
“It’s a real testament to the METCAL team and the planning that had to take place, not just for AIMD equipment but across the ship, across all departments, in a very dynamic and challenging environment,” said Cmdr. James Bailey, from Garfield Heights, Ohio, Truman’s AIMD maintenance officer. “It’s very impressive.”
Truman finished an Extended Carrier Incremental Availability period at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in April of this year, and has since undergone a series of compressed sea trials and the Board of Inspection of Survey.
“It’s been a lot of hard work, so being recognized is a pretty big accomplishment,” said Hatfield. “To still be number one for carriers, and number two overall while we were in a yards period - it’s fantastic!
Truman is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
For more news from Truman, visit www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn75/, www.facebook.com/cvn75, or www.twitter.com/ussharrystruman.