SURFACE WARFARE FALL 2020
one interaction with the instructor where they learn structural design, repairs, and fit-up, as well as how to break-down, clean and troubleshoot a welding machine,” noted Master Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Art Ponce, ACU-5 maintenance department leading chief petty officer. Although predominantly HTs with 50 percent of enrollees coming directly from HT “A” School, weld school students come from various backgrounds and possess different experience levels, with Marines counted among those matriculated in the course in the past. The course has even certified service members with the Marines’ Wounded Warrior Battalion. While the training’s focus is LCAC hull repairs, seats are also available to fleet HTs depending on quota availability. A recent addition to the weld course is a full-sized LCAC section, which adds a unique sense of realism to the students’ experience. The mock-up, a donation from the LCAC Program Office, comes from a decommissioned craft and serves as a place for students
to practice their skills in a controlled environment and make mistakes without sacrificing re-work or equipment costs on an otherwise fully commissioned LCAC. This approach drastically reduces waste and provides highly trained HTs to the LCAC fleet who are ready to produce excellent results from the start. “Welding on a life-sized piece of LCAC introduces the Sailor to the real world interaction they deal with out in the field,” Ponce continued. While most graduates remain at ACU-5 upon certification, some go on to exercise their skills at Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 in Sasebo, Japan, greatly enhancing LCAC hull repair capabilities for forward-deployed LCAC in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. “ACU-5 offers a unique opportunity where we take a Sailor used to welding on a different medium and not only introduce them to the concept of welding aluminum, but train them to a high degree of confidence in their skillset,” explained Capt. Chris Nelson, commanding officer, ACU-5. “There is a tremendous return on investment when you consider the positive effect our training has on the quality of the end product.” When asked what the best part of his job is, “The ability to pass on the experience passed on to me, and the knowledge and experience I have gained from working on the craft for so many years,” said Martin. *
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