USS Frank Cable, a Mobile Repair Facility for the Fleet, Wraps up Maintenance Availability in Sasebo

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandon Shelander, USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) finished repair support on multiple U.S. naval assets while in port Sasebo, Japan, March 11.

"Shortly after announcing our plans to visit Sasebo to the port engineers, we received word there was plenty of work to be done," said Capt. Mark Benjamin, commanding officer of Frank Cable. "Within days of announcing our arrival, the job requests started coming our way; more than 100 requests were received."

Frank Cable conducted repairs and maintenance on the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships USS Pioneer (MCM 9), USS Warrior (MCM 10) and USS Chief (MCM 14) and deployed fly-away maintenance teams for the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines USS Louisville (SSN 724) and USS Pasadena (SSN 752) to Yokosuka, Japan.

"In less than two weeks, we planned and executed maintenance requests on five homeported ships, totaling 10,000 man-hours with only half of our repair department onboard," said Benjamin. "Our motivated repair department enjoyed being productive and helping out our fellow shipmates on tended units here in Japan."

Frank Cable provides intermediate-level repairs beyond the scope of a ship's organization level of maintenance and routinely performs work abroad that is normally conducted within fully equipped shipyards.

"When commanding officers of any U.S. Navy vessel hear Frank Cable is visiting their port, I want them to think of opportunity. An opportunity to take advantage of Frank Cable's significant repair and support capability to better the material condition of their ships," added Benjamin. "Not only do we help out our shipmates, a continuous stream of work also keeps our shops busy; building proficiencies, competencies, and experience along the way."

Lt. Jay Baker, the underway repair officer aboard Frank Cable, led the ship's repair team of more than 300 Sailors. Baker coordinated with Sasebo's port engineers to identify any ships requiring Frank Cable's services.

"Many commanding officers know of our capability, but few unfortunately have had the opportunity to utilize us in an availability period. If it needs fixed, Frank Cable is ready and able!" said Baker.

In total, Frank Cable Sailors completed 126 jobs amounting to 1,230 man-days of work while in Sasebo. A few of the notable jobs Frank Cable conducted while in port Sasebo were the complete replacement of plate steel for a ship's signal shack - a rare feat and the first time this has been accomplished by Frank Cable, emergent repairs to 440-volt cabling, and weight testing on numerous pieces of weapons and personnel recovery equipment. Frank Cable also lagged more than 3,000 square feet of bulkhead and pipes and augmented the Sasebo dive locker during the conduct of ten diving operations on Germantown.

"Our mission is to demonstrate Frank Cable's capability, breadth of skill, craftsmanship and first-time quality to the farthest corners of U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets! Frank Cable is continually seeking opportunities to show our capabilities and have proven this with countless repairs," said Baker.

Baker also described Frank Cable's support of the mine countermeasures ships as impressive, particularly the 55 jobs performed for Warrior, which is about to undergo an inspection from the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), a group whose purpose is to inspect and assess the material readiness of naval vessels.

"For ships and submarines out there, request us for your next availability. Especially if you have an upcoming INSURV," added Baker. "For Sailors looking to fully exploit your rating skills as mechanics, electricians, machinists, engineman, hull and electronic technicians, boatswains and Navy divers, look no farther than the fighting Frank Cable, you'll not go to a more rewarding command."

Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support on submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility and is currently on a scheduled underway period.

For more information about Frank Cable, visit the ship's website at www.cable.navy.mil or follow on Facebook by typing "Frank Cable" in the search block.