Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced, July 1, efforts to ensure surface ships are properly maintained are continuing through a pilot initiative onboard two Norfolk-based ships. The NAVSEA-led initiative reassigns ships' force maintenance actions to shore-based technical teams. The review of open maintenance actions aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) is designed to identify which of these repairs can be completed at the depot level. "The demands placed on our ships and Sailors are increasing each year," said Rear Adm. James P. McManamon, NAVSEA deputy commander for surface warfare. "It's incumbent upon the ship repair and maintenance community to figure out how best to support them.