Stethem Sets New Standard with Successful 3M Inspection

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Harper, USS Stethem (DDG 63) Public Affairs

02 July 2017

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) became the first ship in 7th Fleet to pass the Maintenance and Material Maintenance (3M) Certification Phase 3 Event (1.3) inspection under the new instruction, June 15.

The new 3M instruction prioritizes preemptive maintenance and the accurate reporting of said maintenance. The ship met all criteria for the 1.3 Event with a command total score of 92.07%. The 3M program is designed to ensure operational readiness through preventative and corrective maintenance aboard U.S. Navy ships.

Afloat Training Group Western Pacific (ATGWP) conducted the inspection at Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka, Japan, June 12 – 15. The event served as an evaluation of Stethem’s ability to properly self-assess issues and initiate maintenance plans.

Fire Controlman 1st Class Kazuki Io, the acting 3M Systems Coordinator aboard Stethem, serves as the direct assistant to 3M program manager Cmdr. Jeff Benson, Stethem’s executive officer. Io is responsible for reviewing 3M documentation submissions and provides training and supervision to the ship’s 3M maintenance personnel.

Io said teamwork and diligence were the secret to Stethem’s extraordinary inspection results. “There was a strong focus on 3M and engagement in the program from maintenance personnel all the way to the ‘Khaki's’ [Chiefs and Officers],” Io said. “The crew’s combined efforts and continued training prepared us for the inspection.”

He added, the crew completed approximately 15,000 man hours of maintenance leading up to the inspection.​

“Our inspection results were a validation that we are maintaining our shipboard equipment as required,” Io said. “It’s a checkmark that we are on the right track with the 3M program.” Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Richard Boice, 3M Team Leader with ATGWP, said it was clear that the crew had implemented lessons learned from earlier 3M events to ensure readiness for the 1.3 event.

“The “Steelworkers” definitely took the training received from the Phase 1 and 2 Events and executed to comply with the new 3M Certification Criteria,” Boice said. “Stethem’s Chief Mess and Wardroom are extremely engaged in the 3M program and provided deckplate leadership and support to the maintenance personnel … this was no doubt key to their successful 3M Phase 3 event.

Boice also said he believes these efforts will serve the crew well for future 3M events.

“This commitment to the program will no-doubt lead the “Steelworkers” to having a successful Certification Event," Boice said.

Stethem is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.