Gas Turbine Systems Training in the U.S. Navy: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Five years after the introduction of gas turbine propulsion in major U. S. Navy combatants, the engineering training pipeline, populated with cross-rates primarily from the existing machinist, engineman, and electrical ratings, consisted of a series of contractor developed block courses operationally centered around the propulsion and electrical control consoles. The rapid introduction of new ships in the late seventies and eighties required an accelerated training pipeline and the use of mostly apprentice candidates directly from recruitment. This increased need, the recognition in the fleet that existing training was not providing system knowledge, and the construction of a gas turbine training hot plant precipitated the development of a new training curriculum.</jats:p> <jats:p>Course development was derived from documentation which dictates plant operation: the equipment/system design; the Preventive Maintenance System (PMS); the Engineering Operating Sequencing System (EOSS); Fleet commander engineering management programs; and the Ships’ Manning Document (SMD). Using a disciplined approach, essential student performance objectives were defined and necessary learning objectives developed from the above documentation. The scope of the course encompassed the “cradle to grave” concept from apprentice training through journeyman and supervisor, and necessitated incremental and refresher training throughout the career of the gas turbine mechanic and electrician.