Caroline Hickey

Assistant to the Principle Port Engineer (PPE) during the 2023 150 day $30 million USNS WATKINS dry dock. Performed inspections of vessel throughout the day, verified ongoing work, ensured vessel safety and cleanliness, and participated in work item checkpoints. Coordinated with ABS to schedule inspections and verify progress of ABS discovery hit list items. Informed PPE of contract discrepancies and potential contract change orders, including anticipated work, time delays, and material required. Submitted a daily report documenting completed work with picture documentation, if applicable. Participated in weekly progress meetings to negotiate work item completion with shipyard representatives.

• Quickly learned ship's systems and developed safe and efficient operations for 1-to-4-week research assignments.
• Optimized performance of main and auxiliary machinery through log records, troubleshooting and repairs.
• Integrated electronic log which established organized and accountable record keeping system.
• Established procedures for corrective and preventive maintenance with Wheelhouse Tech maintenance management system.
• Streamlined vessel operation with training and scheduled evolutions to optimize operation and to minimize miscommunication during crew turnover.
• Worked with vendors and internal sourcing to establish relationships and find solutions to new or on-going equipment faults.

• Managed and supervised department members, power plant operation and maintenance, and coordinated equipment repair.
• Oversaw and assisted with maintenance during vessel repair period (main propulsion boiler inspection, main engine intercooler maintenance, diesel generator overhaul, fire pump overhaul, AC and refrigeration system repair, ballast tank inspection, MSD system inspection and piping replacement, and CPP system repair.)
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Maintained clean, organized and safe engine rooms.
• Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
• Notable missions: Comfort - 30-day COVID19 hospital relief to NYC hospitals, March 2020. Ericcson - replenishment vessel for biennial multinational Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia, July 2019. MSC SMART inspection, September 2019.

• Controlled engineering activities to maintain work standards, adhere to timelines and meet quality assurance targets.
• Responsible for operating, monitoring and maintaining assigned systems (i.e. steam power plant, water and sewage management systems, fuel transfer systems, and underway replenishment systems.)
• Interacted with USCG and ABS concerning compliance with codes and regulations.
• Collaborated with port engineers, technical support, and supervisors on engineering projects during normal operations and repair periods.
• Responded to technical concerns quickly and effectively devised solutions.
• Notable missions: Ponce - prepared vessel for trans-Atlantic crossing and decommissioning. Delivered vessel to NISMF in Philadelphia, PA, October 2017. Supply - replenishment vessel for naval vessels operating on Atlantic Coast. MSC SMART inspection December 2018. 60-day dry dock, December 2018 - February 2019.