USS Germantown Successfully Completes INSURV

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda R. Gray, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) completed a material inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Aug. 28.

The extensive three-day assessment of the entire ship was evaluated by 98 subject-matter experts assigned to INSURV, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, Commander Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 11, and the Inspection and Readiness Assist Team (IRAT).

"When it comes to the material condition of the ship and the potential for ships to go into harm's way, we want to ensure that the ship runs properly, and it is very important that all of the systems work," said Lt. Refus Combs, assigned to INSURV. "As mandated by congress, we try to come out and do as thorough of a job as we possibly can in the time allotted."

INSURV was established 130 years ago to inspect the Navy's ships and to ensure their readiness. In 2013, the president of INSURV made changes to the inspection program mandating that every ship get inspected every 30 months verses every five years.

"The fact that this is a material inspection and not a personnel inspection, takes a little bit of the pressure off of the ship, because the only thing that they have to do is demonstrate how the equipment works," said Combs. "Our job is to make sure that the ship can actually perform as designed."

Some of the major INSURV inspection tests Germantown performed included the testing of the aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) sprinkler systems, anchoring equipment, a long range air search radar performance demonstration, engine inspections, and weapon system performance and capabilities.

"Our crew has assumed total ownership of their equipment and their ship," said Capt. Marvin Thompson, commanding officer of USS Germantown. "We have improved standards ship-wide and spent months conducting material checks in preparation for this inspection. I am tremendously proud of our crew and their professionalism."

Each department successfully completed their checks. This can be attributed to the crew's teamwork and dedication to the ship.

"The Germantown crew is phenomenal," said Lt. David Smith, 1st Lieutenant aboard Germantown. "In my 19 years of service I have never been through anything as strenuous as the last six months. We have completed multiple certifications, countless maintenance actions, and all the while we were preparing for the biggest inspection the Navy conducts. The crew has responded in outstanding fashion on all occasions and they continue to amaze me with their relentless efforts and excellent attitude."

Germantown is scheduled to depart Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo for a scheduled patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.