{"id":36699,"date":"2017-12-29T15:47:20","date_gmt":"2017-12-29T15:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2017\/12\/29\/new-in-2018-surface-force-crew-assessments\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T19:37:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T19:37:20","slug":"new-in-2018-surface-force-crew-assessments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2017\/12\/29\/new-in-2018-surface-force-crew-assessments\/","title":{"rendered":"New in 2018: Surface force crew assessments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Naval Surface Forces launched a new two-day \u201cReadiness for Sea Assessments\u201d program late in 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new review comes amid the Navy-wide soul searching prompted by the surface fleet\u2019s fatal disasters at sea in 2017. Crew failures in the most basic areas of seamanship were largely to blame for the four major mishaps in 7th Fleet\u2019s waters that killed 17 sailors total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2018, Navy leaders will be focused on ensuring such mistakes are not repeated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new assessment program will start by gauging crew skills for ships stationed in Japan under 7th Fleet, and the Navy hopes to have all crews across the fleet assessed by this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first of the assessment\u2019s two-day schedule focuses on administrative items like proper manning, qualifications, watch bills, training plans and equipment checks. The second day is conducted at sea and assesses crew proficiency in propulsion and navigation drills, watch team proficiency and other exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShips that do not pass the administrative review on Day One will not be allowed to go to sea for the second part of the evaluation,\u201d the Navy said. \u201cThe intent is to evaluate the ship\u2019s readiness, and if necessary, develop a remedial plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navy officials say that deficiencies will be weighed against operational requirements \u201cto make an informed risk decision\u201d about whether a ship can go to sea<\/p>\n\n\n\t