Keeping Ships Ready: First of All, The Gear Must Work Ten Precepts of Maintenance for Engineers Afloat and for Engineers Ashore

Abstract

ABSTRACT Top material condition is an absolute prerequisite for combat readiness. Although we might find it more interesting to read about new technologies and advanced concepts that promise new capabilities for the fleet, the primary task of Navy engineers—afloat or ashore—is keeping our existing equipment running. Historical example and personal experience make this clear: the gear must work. Accordingly, it's essential to our mission to focus on those precepts that help achieve top material readiness.This paper, in a departure from the usual style seen in Naval Engineers Journal, makes the case for good maintenance. It presents examples of how material failures can affect the course of war, as well as impact operations in time of peace. The goal is to offer some practical ideas, based on recent experience driving and maintaining ships, to help “ship's force” keep their systems in good working order. This paper suggests a “warfighter's” perspective to the Navy's engineering infrastructure, offering ideas to keep in mind as they design, repair or support the components and systems the fleet depends on to accomplish its mission.