Joint Base Charleston
Patriot
Vol. 3, No. 29
Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Friday, July 20, 2012
U.S. Air Force photos / Airman 1st Class Ashlee Galloway
Chief Warrant Officer 3 John Wilson, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Port Operations officer, walks down Pier Edwards, July 16, 2012 at Joint Base Charleston – Weapons Station. Wilson is responsible to the Joint Base Charleston commander for the overall safety of ship movements within the JB Charleston – Weapons Station port, which includes Wharf Alpha, Pier Bravo, Pier Charlie, Pier Edwards and the TC Dock. July 23, 2012, will mark Wilson’s 25th year in the Navy.
INSIDE
USTRANSCOM
628th LRS Port Operations keeps boats afloat By Senior Airman Anthony Hyatt Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
Senior enlisted leader visits JB Charleston See page 3
ELMR
Bridging the communication gap See page 4
CHOW TIME
Dining facilities keep troops fed See page 10
Weekend Weather Update JB CHS, SC
Friday, July 20
Afternoon T-Storms (40% precip)
High 91º Low 76º
Saturday, July 21
Scattered T-Storms (50% precip)
High 91º Low 77º
Sunday, July 22
Isolated T-Storms (30% precip)
High 92º Low 76º
The Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Stations' shoreline spans approximately 16 miles of the Cooper River and 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Sailors, Airmen and Department of Defense contractors are patrolling the shoreline on Harbor Security Boats. Before the shoreline can be patrolled, these boats must be sea worthy and that's where the work of three individuals comes into play. The 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Port Operations is currently operated by U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 3 John Wilson, Port Operations officer, and two maintenance contractors, Thomas White and Frank Gregory. Wilson is responsible to the Joint Base Charleston commander for the overall safety of ship movements within the JB Charleston - Weapons Station port, which includes Wharf Alpha, Pier Bravo, Pier Charlie, Pier Edwards and the TC Dock. "The Port Operations Officer also coordinates all U.S. Navy ship visits to Charleston, which are primarily to support training opportunities with Thomas White, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Port Operations maintethe Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps at the Citadel," said Wilson. Port Operations is also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of nance contractor, fills a hydraulic steering system, July 16, 2012 at Joint six small boats; that's where Gregory and White's responsibilities begin. Base Charleston – Weapons Station. Port Operations is responsible for the maintenance of six boats at JB Charleston. Four of those boats are 27-foot"Four of the boats we maintain are 27-foot-long Sea Arks, which are long Sea Arks, designated as Harbor Security Boats used by the 628th designated as Harbor Security Boats used by the 628th Security Forces Security Forces Squadron. Squadron," said Wilson. "We ensure two HSBs are in the water at all times with a third boat on a two-hour standby to support the Nuclear on the boats, Wilson then conducts quality assurance on White's and Gregory's work in accordance with the boat's service manual. Power Training Unit." Most mornings, the Port Operations officer drives to each pier or wharf Two additional Boston Whaler boats, one 19-foot-long and the other to perform inspections. 21-foot-long, are designated as work boats for Port Operations. "I ensure that nothing is broken or leaking on the piers," said Wilson. "I The Whalers are used to service the piers and move items through the water also stop by Pier Edwards to confirm all of the boats are in working order to be used with the piers or ships, such as oil booms, according to Wilson. "While one of the Whalers can be used for an oil-spill response boat, before starting the day, which normally Tom has already done." "No two days are alike," said White. "When traveling to work, not the other Whaler includes a police package and can be used as a backup knowing what to expect keeps this job exciting." security boat if necessary [for shallow water]," Wilson said. Another part of Port Operations includes keeping the waterfront clean. "We normally get students [Direct Transit Personnel], who are in a holding A Routine Day "A typical day includes Tom or Frank arriving at 7:15 a.m. to work on status or waiting on orders, to help clean the waterfront," Wilson added. paperwork for the HSBs and getting an HSB [needing service] prepped to The Hardest Part haul out of the water," said Wilson. When the Weapons Station and Air Base merged into Joint Base Each day, White and Gregory perform two to four hours of routine maintenance on the boats. Both contractors are qualified marine-engine mechanics, Charleston in October 2010, Port Operations transitioned to the 628th LRS Port Operations section. certified to work on any outboard engine, but specifically Honda engines. "Understanding the Air Force and the Air Force "My position requires me to service and understanding a U.S. Navy warrant officer was and maintain equipment such as 12-volt elecis tough. The transition was very difficult for an old trical equipment, depth sounders, police guy like me," said Wilson. equipment, system gauges and air-condiNow, two years later, Wilson has worked closely tioning systems to name a few," said with Chief Petty Officer Vincent Stephens, 628th White. Security Forces Squadron and Commander Navy Whenever an engine is replaced on a Region Southeast trainer, and the Coast Guard, in boat, Port Operations must log a 10-plus qualifying Airmen to drive Harbor Security Boats. hours "break-in-period" on the engine "One of the most gratifying things about my job before they can be used by security forces. is seeing Airmen, Sailors and DoD civilians work"We get to take the boats out, put some ing together on the water in one of 628th LRS's hours on the new engines and enjoy the sun boats," said Wilson. and water," Wilson said with a smile. "I was Whether it's a security boat or a cargo ship, withborn and raised 40 miles away on the upper lake and I fish the [professional] circuit on Chief Warrant Officer 3 John Wilson, 628th out Port Operations none of this is possible. "Knowing that the importance of this job helps my personal time, so having this job on the Logistics Readiness Squadron Port Operations offiwaterfront makes this the perfect job for me." cer, takes a ride on a Harbor Security Boat July 16, keep this facility and our nation safe is exciting," White added. After maintenance has been completed 2012 at Joint Base Charleston – Weapons Station.
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