To complete the inspections, NAVFAC EXWC requested Underwater Construction Team (UCT) Two for underwater engineering services, to which CDD Charlie provided diving supervisors, underwater construction technician divers, diving life support systems, and tools and equipment. The SRF-JRMC Dive Locker assisted in the FMI by supplying the team with dive boats, coxswains, and additional divers. A CSG-7 Undersea Medical Officer, Commander Matthew Keller, accompanied the team in diving and providing expertise. This is the first joint-command FMI after the COVID-19 pandemic; A NAVFAC EXWC Engineer-In-Charge (EIC) could not be present in 2021.
On the experience, Commander Keller commented, "I had a great experience diving with UCT Two and NAVFAC EXWC. In the world of diving and submarine medicine, it is important to experience first-hand the challenges faced by our ship's husbandry, salvage, and underwater construction teams. By operating together, medical can better communicate and understand common doctrine and procedures.”
NAVFAC EXWC periodically inspects moorings worldwide to assess the capacity and condition of the mooring systems in accordance with Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 4-150-09. Moorings on board Fleet Activities Yokosuka are critical in providing safe mooring positions for Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Towada-class replenishment ships, Non-Self-Propelled Open Lighters (YC-class), and Dry Dock Caissons when not in use. FMIs, conducted every three years, allow engineers to determine if the moorings are safe for use at their design ratings.
“Partnering between divers from four different commands was crucial for the safe and efficient execution of this project for Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and the SEVENTH Fleet,” said NAVFAC EXWC Ocean Engineer and Diving Officer Paulstephen Chierico, who served as the EIC. “It’s always great when Navy Divers can get together to complete vital underwater work together. The mission was a great success during this deployment of UCT Two CDD Charlie and provided sustainment for these fleet moorings for the next three years.”
For over 75-years, U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) has been the linchpin of U.S. naval operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by providing intermediate-level and depot level repair for the ships of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Seventh Fleet.