Navy Training Helps Keep Ships, Equipment in Fighting Shape with A-Plus Training

From Center for Naval Engineering and Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

June 3, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Center for Naval Engineering (CNE), has rapidly responded to the fleet's call for additional training and developed and delivered hands-on training to fleet concentration areas. They graduated a second A-Plus Pump Maintenance class in San Diego May 27.

The inaugural Pump Maintenance class graduated in Norfolk May 14.

The pilot course is the second in a series of what is known as A-Plus training. The course is taught to apprentice-level Sailors who have been onboard their first ship less than a year. In December 2009, CNE began teaching A-Plus Valve Maintenance, first in Norfolk, and shortly afterward in San Diego.

When an apprentice Sailor reports to their first ship they don't always get integrated immediately into their workcenters due to requirements to obtain watch-standing qualifications, or other shipboard duties. If they don't conduct maintenance soon after checking aboard, their knowledge, skills and ability to perform basic maintenance decreases.

"A-Plus training was introduced after analyzing inspection reports and receiving feedback from the fleet," said CNE's Chief Engineman Richard Johnson. "We're doing our part to ensure fleet readiness by providing training that's current and up to date. The learning process does not end in boot camp, nor does it stop with "A" school. The courses are designed to build on existing skills and abilities, and provide 'by the book' procedural knowledge. Sailors need to be able to identify discrepancies, and conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on valves and other pieces of equipment."

A-Plus training builds on the training and skills foundation each Sailor gains by attending 'A' School in Great Lakes. After their initial time aboard ship the Sailors return to the schoolhouse for two to three days of hands-on training that focuses on basic maintenance practices.

A-Plus training also provides a ship with the benefit of saving money by not having to pay civilian contractors to replace or repair valves, and other equipment.

"Instead of purchasing new valves, Sailors will be able to repair valves," said Johnson. "Sailors who complete these courses report back to their ships more confident and competent in their maintenance abilities."

The training has been enthusiastically received by the Sailors because of its hands-on approach and because the training reflects the type of maintenance the Sailors are expected to perform on their ship.

"We make the training as real as possible so when a Sailor reports back to their ship they have hands-on knowledge and the ability to do their job," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Mark Shayave, valve maintenance course instructor. The positive response to the training has been overwhelming."

The training is offered twice a month at the CNE learning sites in Norfolk and San Diego.

"My junior Sailors that have been out of "A" school less than a year liked the valve maintenance course a lot," said Cmdr. Mark Hochstetler, USS Boxer's (LHD 4) chief engineer. "They specifically benefitted from the task of disassembling a valve that was recently in service because it made the training more realistic. The more seasoned Sailors that have been onboard two to three years also liked the course. They thought the admin part of 3M and tag-out reinforced what they learned on the ship."

The courses aren't just for Sailors in engineering ratings. It's open to all Sailors, such as sonar technicians and operations specialists who also perform valve maintenance as damage control petty officers. To date 96 Sailors have taken the valve maintenance course and 23 have completed the pump maintenance course.