Eric Connell

In accordance with ASME NQA-1-2008 (2009) and project specifications; I reviewed drawings / ACI Manuals, coordinated with subject matter experts, and gained multi-level approvals (Jacobs, Flour Marine Propulsion, Amentum and Baker Management) for documents, in order to create and maintain controlled work plans, work packages, work instructions and Quality Assurance procedures, for the construction of the Spent Fuel Handling Facility (SFHP) at Naval Reactors Facility (NRF) - Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

Work performed out of normal job description:

• Elected as a member of a review board to approve / reject other documentation (not associated with work planning) prior to transmittal to the approving contractors.
• Re-wrote over 20 Nuclear Quality Assurance Program instructions, forms, and procedures for Baker at the SFHP Project.

A Part of Navy Expeditionary Logistic Support Group - Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 5 (NCHB-5) my primary responsibilities while on duty include loading and off-loading equipment, ammunition, vehicles and other cargo from ships and various aircraft, as well as safely fueling various aircraft for military operations.

• Currently the "Assistance Command Career Counselor" and assist over 50 members of the organization with career specific questions, career intentions, including onboarding, semi-annual and annual evaluations, and military to civilian transition and/or advice regarding these subjects.

Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or overhauled recreational vehicles including travel trailers. Specializations included gas, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, and chassis/towing systems as well as generators, appliances, and interior components.

Maintained professionalism by interacting with customers and orientating them on the proper use of their recreational vehicle upon purchase or after repairs to provide them with the knowledge of RV safety and operations for over-the-road travel and recreational use.

Required to have a deep understanding of equipment repairs, work controls, work processes, and work package review. Provided oversight and safely directed and guided different teams ranging from 2-15 personnel, depending on the complexity, through electronic and mechanical repairs of SONAR and combat weapons systems onboard 12 active and deployable US Navy Submarines.

Accomplishments:

• Led Naval Submarine Support Facility - New London's first ever underwater repair of a damaged acoustic sensor and mounting foundation on a compressed deployment schedule. These efforts encompassed 430 man-hours of coordinating with technical representatives and preventing and emergent drydocking, allowing the ship to deploy and save the Navy over five hundred thousand dollars. Awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for this feat.
• While performing my primary duties, I dedicated time weekly for training the up to 25 personnel of the division ensuring they were qualified, knowledgeable and prepared to perform QA level maintenance onboard multiple classes of submarines.
• Also, obtained a NAVSEA Navy shipboard Fiber Optic Certification for troubleshooting and repairing fiber optic equipment systems, as well as a commercial Fiber Optic Installer certification through Electronic Technician Association - International (License Number - FOI251229, Expiration 30JUN2025)

Maintained all operational and administrative aspects of the computer and control mechanisms used for underwater surveillance and scientific data collection. Supervised and performed advanced maintenance on electrical and mechanical equipment involving Sound, Navigation and Ranging (SONAR). Reviewed complex oceanographic and acoustic intelligence information and reported data and recommended submarine operations to senior officials.

• Oversaw an unofficial division of 18 personnel, whom identified and removed over 300 "noise deficiencies". I compiled an instruction, approved by the captain of the ship, that provided specific lineups of all equipment onboard the ship. These actions allowed the ship to run "as silent as possible" while maintaining normal ship operations.
• For two years as the Vice President of the Board for the USS Nebraska's Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program, I dedicated my off-duty hours to fundraise $18,000 in support of 20 events and functions improving moral and fostering close camaraderie of all the sailors on board.
• Attended the United States Navy Center for Security Forces: Armed Sentry/Security Reaction Forced training and obtained the knowledge for employment of batons, Mechanical Advantage Control (MAC) Holds, OC Spray and threat assessment. This allowed me the ability to further my skills beyond my standard duties and responsibilities in order to provide physical security for nuclear weapons systems, nuclear weapon installation/removal/maintenance, as well as general physical security; ensuring the safety and security of classified material, equipment and 150-200 personnel on board.