I have a full BLOG today, and if I am successful I will post photos to drive my point home. First a history lesson then I want to further discuss my goals for Strategy Team 1; I will share a request that I sent to the Executive Staff to update the recall information on the web portal; I will also attempt to provide insight on my daily department review, observations on the hard work that you are accomplishing, my upcoming trip to brief our next year’s budget to Admiral Berkey, COMPACFLT Maintenance Officer and say thank you for another Lean Champion that has decided to venture out to private industry. So, let’s start,
Quick history lesson, on 19 JAN 2007 a Lean event was held at the life raft shop. This event changed our mission forever. Remember this is where the workforce suggested that we overhaul the inflation valve rather than sending it out in town for repair. The savings in this event were about $20,000. We applied these savings to purchase an air compressor which resulted in a $100,000 saving. We then used these funds to purchase tools for our machine shop. The change in how we viewed our mission using Lean Manufacturing started and has taken off! This simple lesson of the inflation valve was the platform the Command used to provide Senior Navy Leadership with a counterproposal for the military divestment, called “Best Value”. In short, our proposal demonstrated a plan that addressed cost, responsiveness, optimal physical plant layout and future population both Military and civilian. We worked this plan from May to September. In July that same year we were introduced to the Wounded Warrior Program. On 7 September 2007 our Best Value plan was approved and we set out to make this plan a reality. Over the next 52 weeks, we designed tore down existing shops and built our Product Families. We became the only Regional Maintenance Center to retain the I level maintenance capability. Our Production Department is now being discussed as being valuable shore duty and there is an opportunity to grow active duty shore duty back at SWRMC! Over the past few years we built Product Families, recognized the opportunity to recruit Wounded Warriors, Developed tools to monitor people (Green Book), Parts (Blue Book) and Money (Red Book). As a Command we started a bottom up review to understand our requirements (Zero Based Budget, or ZBB if you are a cool SWRMC individual) and brief our budget with a mitigation plan to our sponsor, and gained permission for an apprentice program. So that is what we have accomplished, take a bow you are doing great. Now for the way ahead.
We understand people, parts and money. We created an opportunity for valuable shore duty. My last BLOG addressed the Whack a mole. A quick update from the team;
Have you heard about the St. Patrick's Day incident? There was a leprechaun on the loose, did he stir up any mischief? Please see attached photo...
* Whack a Mole will be available for use next week. During our first month, please make the Whack A Mole team aware of any bugs you may find. On the program, you will be able to view, create, and apply for opportunities within the command.
To get access to the user guides for the Whack A Mole program:
1. Log onto the web portal
2. Click on the Whack A Mole Program
3. To the right of the screen, click on the user guide and find what you would like to do. Follow the user guide and you can be well on your way!
* Free Mole screenings will be available mid April. Be on the lookout for more information and come down to "get your mole checked."
If you have questions, please respond to this email and someone will assist you as soon as possible.
Very respectfully,
The Whack A Mole team!
My next goal has been endorsed by IFTPE Local 32 and is in full swing. Our HR professionals will be conducting interviews with every GS employee between the grades of GS-1 through GS-8. The purpose of these interviews will be to provide information on what training is available, what your job series requirements are and what tools are available to further a successful career.
I am really excited about my next goal. This goal is to create 2 programs. That is it, just 2 programs. The first is well on it’s way and is named “Operation Promise”. Operation Promise Mission Statement is to incorporate San Diego Businesses in assisting with providing supplemental support to Wounded Warriors recovering in the region. Currently there are ~ 135 Wounded Warriors rehabilitating in San Diego, 75 at Camp Pendleton and 60 at Balboa Medical Hospital. Operation Promise will focus on the Care Givers. The teams comprise of recreation opportunities, mentorship, healthcare, employment internships, education and short term housing. This is a fantastic project and I am looking forward to our San Diego Day where we will partner with industry and gain volunteers from every source in San Diego, not just SWRMC. On 15 April I am briefing a number of interested organizations with really really big names! I cannot wait to gain their partnership with this fantastic program.
Next is a combination of the volunteer concept used to build houses for the community, and the reality show Extreme Makover. First I want to gather volunteers to help us repair our existing work areas. Then I will ask any division, department or work area that wants a “makeover” to film a short request sharing where they work, and what they want accomplished. The “best” or “worst” will be worked on first by our volunteer crew. We will use this “self help” process to best use our Command Funds. We will purchase the best material allowed and install it ourselves. Sound like something that you are interested in? Let me know.
Is this the condition of a cart that is used by a PREMIER MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION? I say no, and Mr. Bob Morgan has accepted the challenge of a cash for clunkers type program. Over the next few years I expect Bob and his crew in Facilities to change the cart fleet to look more like this
I hope these pictures post, because this is where we are going as a Command.
I also have asked the Executive Staff to help us populate the Web Portal with proper information. I believe that you will be receiving this information next week ffom your Chain of Command.
Over the past few weeks, the Command has had difficulties getting in touch with employees after hours or on weekends. In order to effectively manage the organization, both from a mission execution and disaster preparedness stand point, it is imperative that we be able to contact everyone in the Command. As a result, I am asking All Hands to update their information in the Recall Bill on the Web Portal. In addition, all supervisors will update the Unit Management Program on the portal in order to establish accessible, clear chains of command for the organization. Directions on how to update both are below.
Recall information update:
1) Log into the web portal
2) Click on My Information Tab
3) Fill out or update Address in the Recall Information Section
4) Press Apply Changes button in the Recall Information Section
Unit Management Program update:
1) Log into the web portal
2) Under the Portal Application, click on "Unit Mgmt" (this only appears if you have permission)
3) Once in Unit Management Program, click on the Leadership Tab
4) Select desired unit code
5) If the incorrect person is there, or none at all, for the position of leadership, choose the person from the drop down list, pick Leader from the Leader Role drop down and press apply.
There are three choices you can select for the Leader Role. One is the Leader; this is the person in charge of the unit (shop). The other two are Dept Admin and Asst. Leader, which you could think of as admin roles.
For the past several months SWRMC has been working with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF)in an effort to start a South West Regional Apprenticeship Program. This apprenticeship will feature accredited, on the clock academics taught by Southwestern College at a new training facility at North Island as well as four years of trade training and on the job learning. These college accredited apprenticeships will lead to certificates of Proficiency by the college, Journey level certification from the Department of Labor and a certificate of apprenticeship by the Department of the Navy. Completers will be converted to full time career civil service appointments.
SWRMC is planning on hiring 10 new apprentices that will align with the Machinist and Marine Machinery Mechanic trades. It is anticipated that a press release to announce the new program will be out in early April followed, in short turn, by the actual apprenticeship announcements. Interested applicants should watch CHART and my Blog closely for the specific announcement of this great new opportunity."
Apprenticeship Opportunities
at North Island Naval Air Station
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF), Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC), NAVAIR’s Fleet Readiness Center (FRC), Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) and Southwestern College are pleased to announce the start-up of the Southwest Regional Apprenticeship Program operating out of North Island Naval Air Station.
______Step 1: Hiring Requirements for Department of Navy (DoN):
Must be an U.S. citizen
18 years of age or older at the time of hiring
Pass security and physical fitness screenings
______Step 2: Apply on line at https://chart.donhr.navy.mil
Announcement Number #NW0-XXXX-00-QO65392-APPR
Open Date: 04/07/2010
Closing Date: 04/09/2010
Tips for using the DoN website:
Create your resume in word to have available to paste into Chart
Select ‘Jobs, Jobs, Jobs’ at top, left column
Click on ‘Search for Jobs’
Complete questions on pop-up screen
Type in announcement #
______Step 3: Complete Student Trainee Supplemental Form:
In addition to Step 2 above, you must complete the Student Trainee Supplemental Form, which may be accessed at http://www.navsea.navy.mil/shipyard/puget/default.aspx, under Employment Opportunities, then Student Trainee (Apprentice) California.
______Step 4: Apply to Southwestern College:
Must apply for admission to Southwestern College. The online admissions form is
available through the link https://www.swccd.edu/Application/.
Must be eligible for enrollment into Southwest College (including English 115 and Math 45) by the referral date. Assessment Center staff will also review assessment results from other colleges to determine if appropriate course placements can be made in lieu of taking Southwestern College’s placement tests.
The U.S. Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need help getting a job with a better resume read on,
1. The Resume Writing Skills and Finding Federal Employment is back on a monthly basis.
2. The class will start at 0800
and ends at 1100 in bldg 20 classroom 4, 2nd deck. April 08, 2010
3. The next class will be on May 13, 2010
4. Don't miss out an opportunity to improve resume writing skills, find federal jobs, and improve opportunities for advancement.
5. Bring your resume for any corrections and inputs.
6. Please submit a training request form (SF 182)if you would like to be added to the class.
7. The training request form (SF 182) may be submitted via e-mail to swrmc_training@navy.mil
"Applications on SF 182 may be done electronically See Blocks 2.a through
2.e in Section D of the SF 182."
I know we have individuals working after hours and through the weekend. This effort is noticed. A few weekends ago MM1 Ward worked a full work day Friday following midwatch (0000-0600) on the Quarterdeck on USS Boxer valves and Joe Manidis and Rich Johnston worked an 8 hour shift on Saturday lapping USS Boxer valves. Also working the weekend on the BOXER was our Machine Shop heroes MR1 Milliken, MR1 Prescott and MR2 Sanford. These three worked Friday evening until 2300 Hours, MR1 Milliken was in on Saturday from 10:00 Hours until 18:00 Hours. I want to express my thanks to everyone who puts in the extra effort for our Mission. I know I missed groups of maintenance Teams, Contract Officers, Finance Types, Material Managers, Engineers (I am not sure our Chief Engineer, Mr. Andy Fogelberg knows what his home looks like anymore). I will single you out next time. And I also am aware of the individuals required to travel to assist ships not in port. I thank each and everyone of you!
I am spending my mornings walking the divisions of our Engineering Department. The purpose is to better understand the population of each division, the amount of work planned and accomplished, the emergent work that is expected to be accomplished and the effect it has on the planned work and lastly what resources are needed in each branch to accomplish it’s mission. I am also working on understanding what skills are required and what skills are present in the existing workforce. My next departments to better understand this information is the Finance Department.
Next week I am on travel to Hawaii to brief Admiral Berkey on our FY-11 budget requirements. I will keep everyone informed on our progress.
I want to express my thanks and a fond farewell to our latest success story, Ms. Kimbra Saunders. Kimbra was a Command Black Belt that was the Global D level value stream champion. Kimbra has decided to take the challenge to apply her skills in industry. Although Kimbra will be missed, I am extremely proud of her growth as a facilitator and Lean Champion. Take Notice SWRMC, this is our 3rd Lean type to move on to industry. Lean WORKS!
Good Luck Kimbra!!!
Thank you for taking the time to read this BLOG,
Jim Achenbach
