PROGRAM COMPONENTSThe basic thrust of the QA program is to make sureyou comply with technical specifications during allwork on ships of both the surface fleet and submarineforce. The key elements of the program are as follows:- Administrative. This includes training andqualifying personnel, monitoring and auditingprograms, and completing the QA forms and records.- Job execution. This includes preparing workprocedures, meeting controlled material requirements,requisitioning material, conducting in-process controlof fabrication and repairs, testing and recertifying, anddocumenting any departure from specifications.A properly functioning QA program points outproblem areas to maintenance managers so they can takeappropriate action in a timely manner. The followinggoals are common to all Navy QA programs:1. To improve the quality, uniformity, andreliability of the total maintenance effort.2. To improve work environment, tools, andequipment used in the performance of maintenance.3. To eliminate unnecessary man-hour and dollarexpenses.4. To improve the training, work habits, andprocedures of all maintenance personnel.5. To increase the excellence and value of reportsand correspondence originated by the maintenanceactivity.6. To distribute required technical informationmore effectively.7. To establish realistic material and equipmentrequirements in support of the maintenance effort.THE QUALITY ASSURANCEORGANIZATIONThe QA program for naval forces is organized intodifferent levels of responsibility. For example, theCOMNAVSURFPAC QA program is organized into thefollowing levels of responsibility: type commander,readiness support group/area maintenance coordinator,and the IMAs. The QA program for the submarine forceis organized into four levels of responsibility: typecommander, group and squadron commanders, IMAcommanding officers, and ship commandingofficer/officers in charge. The QA program for the NavalSurface Force for the Atlantic Fleet is organized into fivelevels of responsibility: force commander, audits,squadron commanders, IMAs, and force ships.The QA program organization (Navy) begins withthe commander in chief of the fleets, who provides thebasic QA program organization responsibilities andguidelines.The type commanders (TYCOMS) provideinstruction, policy, and overall direction forimplementation and operation of the force QA program.TYCOMs have a force QA officer assigned toadminister the force QA program.The commanding officers (COs) are responsible tothe force commander for QA in the maintenance andrepair of the ships. The CO is responsible for organizingand implementing a program within the ship to carry outthe provisions of the TYCOMs QA manual.The CO ensures that all repair actions performed byship’s force conform to provisions of the QA manual aswell as other pertinent technical requirements.The quality assurance officer (QAO) isresponsible to the CO for the organization,administration, and execution of the ship’s QA programaccording to the QA manual.The QAO is responsible for coordinating the ship’sQA training program, for maintaining ship’s QArecords, and for test and inspection reports. The QAOconducts QA audits as required and follows up oncorrective actions to ensure compliance with the QAprogram.The ship quality control inspectors (SQCIs),usually the work center supervisor and two others fromthe work center, must have a thorough understanding ofthe QA program. Some of the other responsibilities anSQCI will have are as follows:1. Inspect all work for compliance withspecifications.2. Maintain ship records to support the QAprogram.3. Ensure that only calibrated equipment is used inacceptance testing and inspection of work4. Witness and document all tests.5. Ensure that all materials or test results that failto meet specifications are recorded and reported.1-27
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