Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

SASEBO, Japan - The orward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) completed the Supply Management Certification (SMC) inspection Jan. 31 with an overall assessment of outstanding.

The purpose of SMC is to ensure that supply department is operating within the proper guidelines and procedures as instructed. Throughout of the year, supply undergoes continuous preparations between each inspection to maintain readiness.

"If you stay ready, you never have to get ready," said Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Wesner Paraison. "The inspection happens every two years and we are always preparing for it."

The SMC inspection is conducted by Afloat Training Group (ATG). ATG inspects every division in supply, to include stock control, food service, ship's store, disbursing and many others.

"If things aren't being done right, it is best to catch it now rather than later," said Paraison. "Supply works well as a team and it's very important that we work together to maintain the best performance."

The SMC was a four day inspection involving every member of supply, from the senior leadership to the junior Sailors.

"My Sailors performed in an outstanding manner and I could not be more proud of them," said Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Delacruz, the food service officer.

After the completion of SMC, supply returns to their normal daily operations and continues to support the mission readiness of Bonhomme Richard.

"The Supply Management Certification was the culminating point of months of hard work and preparation by the entire supply team," said Cmdr. Terrel Fisher, Bonhomme Richard's supply officer. "Everyone performed at their absolute best and it's great to be a part of the finest supply department in the fleet."