Publication:Navy Engineering Bulletin March 2006/Introduction - Chief Naval Engineer
It has been over two years since the Naval Technical Regulatory System (NTRS) was launched. Since taking up the position of Chief Naval Engineer (CNE) I have been pleased with the way personnel and organisations have embraced the concept or maintained their commitment. Now that we have accepted the overall process and observed the positive results it can offer, it may be time to take a step back and see how the system is performing and review what, if any, adjustments to policy should be made. The NTRS is providing increasingly effective management of risk to the technical integrity of maritime platforms. What we must ensure is that the initial commitment to the framework is maintained.
Another major initiative of 2005 has been a review of the existing FIMAs and how technical personnel have been employed ashore. The resultant report identified considerable complexity, inconsistency and overlap between the engineering roles and functions of commands and enabling organisations. This should not be surprising noting the changes experienced in Navy support policies over the past decade. The report also highlighted those technical personnel and organisational arrangements that needed alignment with Navy's future requirements.
It is proposed to refocus the current MT and ET workforce in this organisation by amalgamating personnel and functions within FIMAs, MOTUs and FIST to form Fleet Support Units (FSU). It is envisaged that this will optimise supervisory and leadership capability and in particular provide personnel to supervise the delivery of technical support services by junior FSU personnel. The FSU will focus on ensuring MT & ET personnel develop skills and competencies required to perform in positions at sea, whilst providing essential technical support to ships and submarines.
To address these issues, I directed further development on the concept of Fleet Support Units, including evaluation of the command and control arrangements, nature and level of technical and military support services to be provided, and an implementation plan. This was completed in November 2005 and endorsed by CN at CNSAC. The direction of this initiative will be communicated to the major stakeholders during the first half of 2006.
The year sees staff changes in two very significant areas affecting the Branch. Captain Mel Schmidt took over from Captain Bronko Ogrizek as DNPR(E&L) as of the 06 February 2006. I congratulate Captain Ogrizek on his achievements and wish him all the best in his new position in the West as Collins SPO Director. I am sure Captain Schmidt will maintain the standard and efforts in support of the many Category Sponsor issues that challenge the engineering community.
CMDR Bob Horsnell has moved on from DTR-N, relieved by CMDR Mike Finlayson. Bob was tireless in his efforts to develop, introduce and monitor the Naval Technical Regulatory System (NTRS). His effort played a major part in the smooth introduction of the new technical regulatory system and we in NAVSYS wish him all the best in the position of Deputy Director Network Centric Warfare in Navy Headquarters, where he has the opportunity to influence capability development at a very busy period in Naval procurement.
I wish you all a rewarding and successful year in 2006.
