By Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader, Navy Public Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2006 Bogan High School graduate and Chicago native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a team supporting one of the country’s most versatile combat ships.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Edmondson is a logistics specialist and a member of the Logistics Support Team which supports both variants of littoral combat ships based in San Diego.
A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for all the logistic needs of the LCS ships.
“I like knowing that my input adds to the big picture of the Navy,” said Edmondson. “It adds gratification to what I’m doing, seeing that.”
The LCS platform has a unique manning concept called “3-2-1,” where three crews serve aboard two different littoral combat ships, one of which is deployed. This innovative manning concept allows the LCS to spend more time forward deployed without overtaxing the crew, according to Navy officials.
Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, littoral combat ships are a bold departure from traditional Navy shipbuilding programs. The LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission modules.
“It’s exciting working with the newest class of ships that the Navy is putting out in the fleet,” said Edmondson.
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an 18-month training pipeline, sailors have to qualify on a simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping onboard.
“Sailors that work aboard this platform are expected to be capable of performing a variety of tasks to assist in the completion of the LCS mission,” said Capt. Warren R Buller, Commander, LCS Squadron One. “The training that is required of our sailors is rigorous and difficult. This ensures that they are mission-ready to defend and protect America at all times.”
As a service member supporting the LCS mission, Edmondson explained they are building a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. Sailors know how important it is for the Navy to develop new war-fighting capabilities to continue their success on the world’s oceans.
“Serving in the Navy means I’m paying forward freedom to my children and my grandchildren,” added Edmondson.
Through innovative planning, the design of systems, and crew requirements, the LCS platform allows the fleet to increase forward presence and optimize its personnel, improving the ability of the Navy to be where it matters, when it matters.
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Previously:
* Chicago Navy Commander’s Continuing Promise.
* Meet Chicago Sailor Joshua Johnson.
* Meet Chicago Quartermaster Seaman Maribel Torres.
* Meet Chicago Navy Commander Chad Hennings.
* Meet Chicago Navy Seaman Desmond Cooke.
* Meet Chicago Airman Dominique Williams.
* Whitney Young Grad To Serve Aboard USS Essex.
* Proviso West Grad To Serve Aboard USS Paul Hamilton.
* Hyde Park High School Grad Serving On Nuclear-Powered Sub.
* Plainfield East Grad Serving On Nuclear-Powered Sub.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on April 27, 2016