Be Ready for the Maintenance Meeting

“WHEN A WORK CENTER SUPERVISOR ARRIVES AT THE MAINTENANCE MEETING, THEY SHOULD BE PREPARED TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS THAT MAY ARISE FROM THE WORK CENTER’S WORKLOAD REPORT. “

By GySgt Douglas H. Green

“ . DURING OUR ASSESSMENTS, I HAVE WITNESSED SHIFT SUPERVISORS SHOW UP TO THE MORNING MAINTENANCE MEETING ILL-PREPARED TO ANSWER EVEN THE SLIGHTEST INQUIRIES TO SOME OF THE TASKS THAT LAY AHEAD FOR THAT SHIFT. THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON.” BE READY FOR THE #6

MAINTENANCE MEETING

The fact that it is a trend across the fleet is a significant problem with maintenance department efficiency. This problem can be due to several factors, each slightly different than the next.

However, the result is the same, wasted time and resources, as well as frustration at each level of leadership.

Each work center operates to its requirements. However, there should be some commonality across the board regarding maintenance meetings and pass-downs. From my experience, we can all do a few things to ease frustrations and help keep tasks and management more efficient.

A few suggestions I would give are:

• Arrive early enough to read through the prior shift’s pass-down and familiarize yourself with all completed tasks and those still “in work.” *If possible, get a verbal passdown as well.

• Ensure that all work orders are in the proper status, i.e., M3, M6, or AWP. If they should be AWP but have no parts on order against them, find

Photos from left to right Left: Photo by Seaman Apprentice Isaac Esposito Center: Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Leonard Right: Photo by MCSN Orion K. Shotton

out why before the meeting.

• Communicate with other work centers to assist with coordination of task requirements, i.e., de-arming before an electrical systems check.

By doing these tasks before the maintenance meeting, you set your shop up to be fully prepared for the work. You will also be able to communicate any gaps to higher leadership effectively.

This leads to better task efficiency so that everyone is aware of maintenance requirements and maintenance control can then prioritize maintenance tasks appropriately.