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DIEHL: 'The Best to Date'

SINGAPORE (USTCNS) --- The USNS Walter S. Diehl was judged "the best seen to date" in a recent inspection by MSC's SMART inspection team.

"The ship presented a plan to demonstrate the ship and executed it to the mark," said a report from senior inspector Lt. Cmdr. Derrick Mitchell. "The Master's Letter of Concerns captured many of the deficiencies noted. The operability of equipment and system readiness on initial testing was the best seen to date."

SMART is an acronym for Ship's Maintenance and Readiness Tests. It is required by law every five years to determine whether ships are "fit for further service." The results are reported to Congress.

In a day of underway testing, Diehl flawlessly demonstrated a full-power run, quick reversal ahead and astern, an anchor drop and a steering test.

"You're doing everything right," Mitchell told Diehl Department Heads in his outbrief. "Just keep on doing what you're doing now."

Later, at a SMART Victory Party, Capt. W.R. Helton presented several crewmembers with cash awards for their efforts in preparation for the inspection.

"What you accomplished in one month - - and in between high-tempo ops - - is a miracle," Helton told the crew. "The miracle on 193."

Helton recognized Chief Mate Paul Nies for his direction of much of the preparatory effort. "The results were outstanding largely because of your effort, skills, leadership and dedication," Helton told Nies.

Also recognized was Cargo Officer Steve Kravitz.

"Your unrep stations were deemed among the best," Helton told Kravitz, referring to the inspectors rating the stations a 9 on a scale of 10 in the areas of preservation, cleanliness and maintenance.

Rig Captains Michael Wade, Keith Kincaide and Bertram Williams also were recognized for the deep cleaning and restowing of the forward cargo holds and other achievements.

Nies in turn recognized Fire Marshal Gregory R. Barrett for his dedication and work in making "the damage control and firefighting systems aboard the Diehl among the best in the MSC fleet according to the inspectors."

Chief Engineer Doug Robb recognized Pumpman Theodore Akina who "pays close attention to the details of systems and equipment and troubleshoots problems independently and repairs them in short order."

Robb also credited Second Electrician Wilson Basallote with making a major contribution to SMART preparations.

"His diligence on repairs has earned him the respect of all in the department," Robb said.

Chief Steward Luis Francisco honored Supply Utility persons Romualdo Gomez, Marcel D. Brodit, Teresita Garcia and Roberto D. Alfante.

"Let it be known that in the eyes of all that your efforts support one of the most important functions on any ship that sails," Francisco told the group.

Helton also gave letters of commendation to five members of the Military Department for maintenance work done in the Nixie Control Room and on the Signal Bridge. They were: SM3 Heidi M. Haesler, ITSN Jeremy J. Guyette, SMSA Katie M. Luke, ITSN Reynaldo C. Billones and ITSA Nicole M. Huber.

"Your hard work and commitment to excellence brought the Nixie Control Room to the highest standards and resulted in great praise from all SMART inspectors who entered the space during the week," Helton said.

"Your hard work and commitment to excellence resulted in our Signal Bridge becoming a 'show piece' area of the ship, from detailed paint work to the stripping and shining of the smallest piece of brass.

"Your outstanding efforts resulted in the senior SMART inspector commenting that our Signal Bridge was the best he had ever seen in MSC."

Others receiving awards were Ship's Carpenter Ronald King, ABM Warren Blankenship, and OS (W) Claude E. Vandusen III. (FROM MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND - FAR EAST PUBLIC AFFAIRS).

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