
ULTRA-S stands for Unit Level Training and Readiness Assessment-Sustainment. This means that we are able to continue through a deployment and post-deployment cycle with our training program, and that it is effective. If we fail ULTRA-S, then it shows that basically we gave up once we went on deployment.
As the Combat Systems Leading Petty Officer (LPO) and Combat Systems Maintenance Manager (CSMM) Assistant, I played a fairly extensive role in getting us ready. I helped the CSMM get drill packages prepared and approved by our Commanding Officer, developed drill guides to tell the inspector (onboard) how to evaluate a drill, and a ton of other odds and ends.
I'm not saying that in order to brag. It's almost more that dispite me being involved, we passed! I'm thankful for that. Here's a more detailed list:
1. I'm grateful for being a part of the process: I don't know why Senior Chief Edwards picked me to be his assistant. In fact, I don't know what he saw in me two years ago when he first arrived that made him take notice and start mentoring me. I have never been this involved before in a training process, and the level of knowledge I have gained now blows me away. Only God could have ordained all of that.
2. I'm grateful for the results: As I said, the official results will come out today and may be expanded over the next week or two as other reports become final. However, I am confident that combat systems has done well. No one wants to put in a lot of hard work and yet see the project fail. And let's be honest, there were some areas where we could have blown it. The technicians and watch-standers pulled through, and I'm grateful to God for those results.
3. I'm grateful for the chance to get a higher qualification: Afloat Training Specialist (ATS) is a huge undertaking and is a qualification I've been working on for a while. This is another area where Senior Chief has helped me immensely, including interfacing with the granting authority (ATG) to get my board scheduled. Now, I still have to pass an oral board, which is pretty tough, but all of my prereq's are complete and my evaluation went great. They said I did a very good job with my briefings.
4. I'm grateful for Alicia's support: I know there are guys on board who have only the Navy to fulfill them. I see them every day and I'm sad for them. They don't have Christ and they don't have a good family situation. I have both of those things, and it's truly an advantage. Alicia has dealt with a fairly cantankerous husband off and on for the last several weeks as I have prepared for the inspection. She's a trooper, and now I need to find a way to repay her for that effort. Thank you, Alicia! (No, that's not how I'm repaying her!)
There are many parts to my life where I have reason to give thanks. Well, all of it, actually. Today I am grateful for a successful series of evolutions to prove that our ship can fight and protect itself. I'm tired, still a little cantankerous, but overall, I'm grateful.
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