4. PRIORITIES.
In order to achieve the enabling objectives the following are my priorities during my tenure in command.
a. Training.
When training is mentioned most sailors cringe. However, training or better stated learning is the
key to success. Training pervades everything we do from standing watch on the Bridge or Main Machinery
Room to equipment maintenance to preparing meals to underway replenishments. The better we are trained
and the more we have learned about SUPPLY, its equipment, and its capabilities the better we will be able to accomplish our
mission.
Training must be conducted
at the individual and team level. Individually, read a book, better yet read a technical manual. Learn why a particular PMS
is done or why a specific system setup works best. Work toward advancement. Don't be
satisfied with your current level of qualification; work toward the next higher qualification. Take a correspondence
or night course in a subject that interests you. When assigned to a team, learn how your assignment fits
into the big picture. Anticipate what information will be needed and provide it rather than having to be
prompted every time. Work together. Set goals for yourself and your team and work toward
them.
b. Safety.
A well trained crew who knows its equipment and procedures will be safe. Safety is not just for
the ship, it’s for everything we do, from driving to trimming trees at home to replacing a winch motor to liberty in
a foreign port. If something seems unsafe, it generally is. I would rather be safe than
fast. People first, then equipment, then the job. Nothing is more important than a life
or a finger or an eye. There is always time to do a job right the first time.
I task every person onboard SUPPLY to
think safety during every evolution. If a situation is unsafe or seems unsafe, stop it. I
don't care how senior or how junior you are. If I'm doing something unsafe, I expect and require you to
tell me. If you are involved in a drill, other training event, or operational evolution and are not sure
of your assignment or task, ask what am I supposed to be doing and continue to ask until the situation is resolved.
Finally always remember, I will be the
only person in SUPPLY who will authorize working on energized electrical circuits regardless the voltage, bypassing any safety
interlocks, one valve protection in any system regardless of temperature or pressure, or intentionally operating any equipment
out of safety parameters. This includes PMS actions as well as emergent repairs.
c. Planning. Along
with training and safety, planning is another key to success. I am in charge of long range planning.
The Executive Officer should be looking ahead six months; Department Heads should be routinely planning 3-4 months
ahead; Division Officers and Chief Petty Officers 3-4 weeks; and Work Center Supervisors 4 weeks for maintenance and at least
a week for work center work lists. Well thought-out, thorough planning produces two results: first and
foremost, we are in control rather than someone else controlling us, and second, a steady strain approach to our demanding
underway schedule, maintenance of the ship and preparations for inspections. If we do our planning right
and then faithfully execute our plan, there should regular work hours and no last minute surprises.
d. Cleanliness. "A
clean ship is a happy ship." While that may seem trite to some, it has been my experience a clean
ship with sailors who are well groomed runs safely and efficiently. No one wants to work or live in a dirty
environment. Cleanup after yourselves, pick up trash off the deck. Put tools away at
night. Stow equipment where it belongs not where it is convenient. Be proud of SUPPLY, keep her clean and
well preserved, after all she is our home for long periods of time.
e. Core Values. By virtue of your military service and its commitment to our
Core Values, each and every one of you will be held to a higher set of standards and a greater level of accountability.
I will not tell you what to think, however business conducted aboard SUPPLY will be color blind and gender neutral.
Honesty, integrity, loyalty, and trust
are but a few characteristics of a good shipmate. Once you have compromised these characteristics they
are extremely difficult if not impossible to regain. Be true to yourself; be true to your shipmates.
Treat others as you would want to be treated. Take care of each other.