Deck Self-Assessment and Groom Training (D-SAGT)

D-SAGT is a two phased event, Phase I, the Mobile Training Team (MTT) provides a review of all associated system reference materials to include blueprints, technical manuals NSTMs, PMS and PQS, and inspection criteria with the students. This is immediately followed by conducting assessments of the 21 Deck systems using the In Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) sanctioned Self Assessment Groom Checklists (SAGC).  The MTT has ship’s force take control from the onset of the training one on how to utilize these checklist to  safely inspect, operate and document within their CSMP all discrepancies discovered by ship’s force.   The MTT recommends ship’s force use these checklists to conduct routine inspections of the systems, as this will provide a constant system status, document discrepancies, while simultaneously provide training with ship’s force on these systems.  

Phase II of the D-SAGT provides Pre-examinations, Lesson Plans, Trainee Guides, and Post examinations.  Both classroom and “hands-on” training with each ship selected system.  The D-SAGT MTT, upon completion of Phase II, delivers to the ships Training Officer all 21 Deck System training content binders with Lesson Plans, Trainee Guides, Pre/Post Exams, Reference Materials, SAGC Checklists, and a CD for each of the deck systems to enable ship’s force to conduct D-SAGT within the ship’s lifelines. 

The four-person civilian team is expected to expand and deliver D-SAGT training with pre-commissioning crews as an alternative to the current counterpart training provided. This will enable ship’s force to have onboard, from the very start, the vital initial training materials and associated references to conduct training with new Sailors and continued use of the D-SAGT materials in support of the interim training solution. The D-SAGT program could be adapted for use onboard other ship class commands worldwide.

"We've heard from our Navy’s leadership onboard and other key personnel that we need to continually expand D-SAGT's outreach," said Mr. Kelly Schneider (PMS 317L). "We've heard that our messages about the importance of D-SAGT in identifying current system operational status and the training issues with each deck system and the importance of training with these systems for operators, maintainers, and commands leadership using correct technical documents and having these materials available onboard for ship’s crew use.”

"We also know from course feedback that D-SAGT which both students and observers have submitted the value added by having D-SAGT available and the significant value the MTT team provides."  Commanding Officers comments include “I intend to use D-SAGT training materials to help train my junior officers, ESWS program and I want the MTT to come back on an annual basis, the D-SAGT MTT is welcome back aboard anytime.”  Ships Boatswain Mark Bradford comment, “I wish we had this onboard before I reported aboard ship, this training is exactly what is needed and the D-SAGT MTT are in total support mode of operation.”  Key to the D-SAGT training is the face-to-face interaction among attendees and the panel discussion with command leadership.  To orchestrate open and honest dialogue, trainers must gain the trust of attendees.

Delivering the D-SAGT training onboard ship is a rewarding event according to D-SAGT MTT team lead Pete Brennan, "Every member of this team has a deep commitment and understanding of the Navy and its unique challenges.  We believe that our teams experience coupled, with exceptional training skills, will empower ship’s crew to learn and train others with each system." Collectively the four-member D-SAGT MTT Pete Brennan, Pat Taffe, Terry Luke, and Russell Lincoln, have more than 99 years of exemplary Naval service.  "We know about the sacrifices and challenges of military service and the important role of everyone onboard ship," Pete said. "We are excited about bringing them the training and share our experience with them."