Tony Grayson’s Post

The US Navy is taking proactive steps to address the poor living conditions and quality of life for sailors stationed in shipyards. Following a series of suicides and concerns about deteriorating conditions, the Navy's Quality of Service Cross-Functional Team has been working diligently to improve the situation, particularly at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Newport News, Virginia. Rear Adm. Christopher Gray, the leader of the team, not only aims to address the challenges at this shipyard but also intends to bring about positive changes across the entire Navy fleet. The Navy recognizes the importance of updating service standards and ensuring that sailors have a positive experience throughout their service. To achieve this, the team is focused on establishing new policies, rules, and standards that define acceptable living and working conditions for sailors. This comprehensive approach aims to address issues related to mental health, morale, and overall well-being. The Navy is committed to creating an environment where sailors can thrive. One notable initiative under consideration is the provision of Wi-Fi access to sailors across all Navy bases. While this endeavor comes with an estimated cost of $90 million, the Navy wants to ensure that it is a valuable service that sailors truly desire and utilize. By conducting a pilot program and gathering feedback, the Navy can determine the effectiveness and value of implementing Wi-Fi access on a broader scale. Furthermore, the Navy's focus extends beyond infrastructure improvements. They are working toward enhancing access to medical care, improving food quality, and offering better training opportunities for young sailors. These efforts aim to provide sailors with the necessary resources and support to excel in their roles. The Navy is also committed to making shipyards comparable to full installations, such as Naval Station Norfolk. Although creating a full installation within shipyards may not be feasible, the Navy aims to mirror the services and level of support available at these installations. Sailors stationed in shipyards deserve the same level of quality of life as their counterparts in other locations. It is important to note that the Navy's efforts to improve shipyard life are part of a larger strategy. The team's work will align with other upcoming Navy initiatives, which will be announced in due course. By continuously evaluating and implementing improvements, the Navy hopes to create a positive and supportive environment that values the well-being and satisfaction of its sailors. #USNavy #QualityofLife #ShipyardImprovements #Sailors #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #MilitaryLife #ServiceStandards #Wi-FiAccess #TrainingOpportunities #NavyInitiatives

The hopper dredge M/V WHEELER, seen here navigating the Mississippi River, stands as the largest hopper dredge in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fleet. More details: https://bit.ly/3VsbkrA #DredgeWheeler #HopperDredge #USArmyCorpsOfEngineers #MaritimeOperations #NavigationChannels #ShoalingRemoval #MississippiRiver #WaterwayMaintenance #DredgingOperations #DeepDraftNavigation

As a Civil Engineer and a Bachelor of Comp Science, I am often asked about my role in the military. Many people assume that engineers are confined to the realm of technical pursuits far removed from the chaos of combat. However, the reality is quite different. The motto of the Sappers, 'Sarvatra', meaning 'Omnipresent', encapsulates the diverse expertise required across the length and breadth of the battlefield. From constructing bridges under enemy fire to breaching enemy minefields, we achieve success through meticulous planning, realistic training, and a high level of leadership at all levels. In addition to our combat duties, we also facilitate logistics by constructing essential infrastructure such as water points and helipads to support forward operating bases and sustain troop operations in remote and austere environments. We are also the first responders when civil authorities encounter mishaps or natural disasters, be it flood relief, tunnel caving-in, or a child stuck in a borewell. Sappers are truly the architects of chaos and order, shaping the Battlefield and beyond. So the next time you wonder about the role of engineers in the military, remember that it's not just about technical expertise but also about deftly navigating a #VUCA environment. #military #veterans #veterantransition

The United States Marine Corps has achieved an unmodified (or “clean”) audit opinion! Wow! An incredible achievement! What does that mean to an auditor or accountant? Refer to the green box… What does mean to a Marine whose base pay is not earned by “balancing the books”? Marines adhere to their 1st General Order! “Take charge of this post and all government property in view.” - we “count” (inventories) - we “fix” (maintain and sustain) - and that allows us to fight! In other words: Marines are - - disciplined - accountable - credible - and….responsible stewards of the tax payers’ money! - a great investment! What does this mean for our future? Marines - adhere to your 5th General Order: “Quit (your) post only when properly relieved”(!) That is - to SUSTAIN the standard will require even more focus. Marines - it’s Monday AM - get to work and SUSTAIN the standard!

I love Jon Dunne’s explanation for why the United States Marine Corps demonstrated excellence in the last audit. 1.) 📐- No cutting corners 2.) ❤️🔥- Belief in the mission 3.) 📇 - Owning the problem It’s how I’ve gone into every leadership position I’ve held the last 24 years, and it is how we operate at U.S. Predistics!🇺🇸 Reach out if you want to maximize the value of your company’s efforts and develop an amazing organizational culture. Whether personal, executive, or boardroom positioning - U.S. Predistics will provide you the insights needed to: 1.) 💪🏽 - is strong, focused, and resiliently embraces change, 2.) 🎓- develops the whole team, ensuring everyone understands their importance and can individually focus on the vision 🔁 - that provides predictable, repeatable excellence. I’m sure you’ll agree - and with an unmodified opinion, too! 🎉 Follow, share, DM, comment, and grow your business. #AmericaTogether #businessdevelopment #consulting #businessconsulting #executivecoach #OneVOne RBLP® Leader Training and Certifications

Opportunity

The US is first and foremost a maritime nation that requires open seas for commerce and the ability to project power. Thus our founders included a specified task in our Constitution to sustain and provide for a Navy. Incremental ship building and intra-service rivalry makes us weaker. I’ll say it - if we have to prioritize, we can raise Army Divisions much quicker than we can build ships and create a “Navy” (Navy & Marine Corps). Failure to enter into multi-year contracts to increase yard capacity and critical amphibious, fast lift and other warships is strategically shortsighted and increases our vulnerability to secure vital US interests now and into the next decades. I’d argue we need no less than 40 - likely more if we expect conflict with the CCP.

Wetlands can have major impacts on development projects. Minor disturbances to wetlands require General Permits through PADEP, while major impacts to wetlands result in Joint Permits through PADEP and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Joint Permits typically result in an elongated permitting process which can challenge development timelines. Knowing that wetlands exist on a Site along with proactive research and design can minimize permitting requirements and their respective delays. If you think you may have wetlands on your property, our professional staff can complete a wetland assessment to determine if wetlands are present on the Project Site, and if found, we can work with a broader team to formally delineate the wetlands and mitigate any impact to the Project. #sdc #design #surveying #wetlands