By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Alex Millar

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN – Twelve logistics specialist interns from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) came aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Aug. 16 to join the ship’s crew for a week as the ship got underway.

The Naval Acquisition Development Program (NADP) interns — who work at various NAVAIR locations providing equipment and other logistics necessities for Sailors across the fleet — embarked the ship to gather information on how logistics works on an aircraft carrier while at sea. The NADP program develops highly skilled professionals to meet projected Department of the Navy acquisition workforce requirements.

The interns were curious to see the role logistics played on the ship, said Lt. Riley Swinney, Intermediate Maintenance 3 division officer for the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department aboard the CVN 71.

“The interns were introduced to numerous departments on the ship,” Swinney said.  “Each department gave a demonstration of daily duties and equipment operations, and then we tied it all together with the logistics side of the ship to support their operations.  They were exposed to both surface and air operations, and the different departments in supply that store and procure replacement parts to maintain those systems.”

“I have gained appreciation and motivation to work hard to make sure the war fighters have what they need,” said David Boniche, an Operations Research Analyst intern supporting Air-6.0.

“The fighters on the Roosevelt are our customers,” said Jeff Jamieson, one for the interns who serves as the P-8A Poseidon Increment 2 deputy assistant program manager for logistics. “If we don't understand, or have never been exposed to the nature and environment in which they work, we can't fully support their needs.”

Meghan Wagner, a logistics intern with the U.S. Marine Corps Light/Attack Helicopters program (PMA-276), had the opportunity to observe maintenance being performed on an MH-60S Seahawk.

“Working in logistics, I was eager to see aircraft maintenance first-hand. Because of their (maintainers) willingness to explain their job, I walked away with an understanding of some of the daily problems they encounter while working on aircraft,” Wagner said.

Now that the interns have an idea of how Sailors work in the fleet, they can take that knowledge back to their commands and programs and share what they have learned to more efficiently support the warfighter.

According to Justin Zarzaca, a logistics operations research analyst and intern, departing the Roosevelt left a lasting impression

“The most exciting part for me was the COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery) off of the ship on our last day,” he said. “We were catapulted off of the ship for a flight home. The acceleration from 0 to 130-plus mph happened in less than two seconds.

“It was a great ending to a great trip,” Zarzaca said.

Editor’s Note: Commander, Fleet Readiness Public Affairs provided additional reporting.