Corona Warfare Center Automated Calibration System Expected to Save Navy Million

Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona completed installation and training Aug. 4 for the automated Metrology Bench Top (MetBench) Calibration Management System (MCMS) aboard the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke destroyer in operation, USS Sterett (DDG 104).

NSWC Corona's work marks the 100th ship installation for the Navy's metrology and calibration agent. NSWC Corona is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command.

"I'm extremely proud that Corona has delivered 100 ship installations of the MetBench calibration system," said Capt. Jay Kadowaki, NSWC Corona commanding officer.
"This gives the Sterett unprecedented capability for critical calibration support of the ship's systems and is another outstanding example of how our Corona engineers are able to stand up support to meet the fleet's needs."

The MCMS installed aboard Sterett seamlessly integrates the ashore portion of the MetBench program, which includes a total of 107 automated calibration procedures that support a workload of 260 items. This significantly increases calibration efficiency and improves equipment availability.

"The MetBench system enables our Sailors to track and maintain a database of all our calibration requirements within the ship," said USS Sterett Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Darren McPherson. "It also helps us maintain that database for inspections, assessments, certifications and off-ship requirements. It's really a one-stop shopping tool for Sailors to coordinate between on-ship and off-ship requirements."

NSWC Corona's innovative approach to shipboard calibration fully utilizes the Navy's new distance support architecture to best support the fleet, and MCMS makes these tasks as easy and transparent to the Sailor as possible.

"I use it to help track all of my test equipment and ensure that everything's in calibration," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Ryan Otian. "When I send items to the calibration lab, it automatically prints out reports I need when I turn in the equipment. It's really easy and it's working really well."

Otian said MCMS makes his job easier, but he realizes another key benefit.

"It increases ship readiness because the test equipment we need for maintenance is going to be calibrated on time," said Otian.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued the MCMS program patents in seven areas of innovation. Deployment began in July 2007 and is slated to be installed on 146 warships. The combined afloat and ashore elements will save the Navy an estimated $38.6 million over the next six years.

"With the millions of calibrations the Navy needs to maintain readiness, we're using automation, innovation and modernization to reduce costs for the Navy, reduce cumbersome workload for our Sailors and extend the life of our surface fleet," said Kadowaki. "With calibration support being critically important to maintenance, Corona is uniquely poised to help the Navy sustain today's Fleet efficiently and effectively."

NSWC Corona serves as the Navy's only independent assessment agent and is responsible for gauging the warfighting capability of ships and aircraft, analyzing missile defense systems, and assessing the adequacy of Navy personnel training. The base is home to three premiere national laboratories and assessment centers, the Joint Warfare Assessment Lab, the Measurement Science and Technology Lab, and the Daugherty Memorial Assessment Center.

Troy Clarke (NNS)
# END