BRIAN J. PERSONS
Posted by Mariah Walters
In 1988, I was a GS-12 supervisory naval architect in the design and engineering division at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Calif. I had been recently promoted to branch head of the FFG 7 Class Structural Engineering Planning Yard and was preparing for a number of ship visits when we were informed that the USS Samuel B. Roberts struck a mine while underway in Persian Gulf and was severely damaged.
My supervisor told me to pack my bags, get on a plane and meet the ship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was my responsibility to provide the correct information and analysis to ensure a safe dry-docking of the ship, assess the damage and develop options for repairs. It was to be a seven-day trip, and I was one of seven U.S. Navy personnel granted access to the ship in Dubai. I stayed in Dubai for more than 45 days until the repairs were completed.
This was a significant increase in scope and responsibility and an immense challenge. I had to develop new processes and procedures and adapt the materials and tools available to successfully dry-dock and repair the ship. It was a project of a lifetime, and I had to mature quickly to meet this challenge.
I am still amazed at the authority I was given to execute this project. I was lucky to have such an opportunity at such an early stage in my career.
Persons is executive director of Naval Sea Systems Command.