AFM soldier places first in US Coast Guard course

AFM Maritime Squadron's Lance Bombardier Aaron Sammut has placed first in class during a US Coast Guard course at the service's Petaluma Electronics' Technician Training Centre in California.

Sammut is part of the Squadron's base team responsible for the maintenance and repair of sophisticated electronics equipment, radio receivers and transmitters, radar, navigation equipment and computer equipment.

The young 24-year old Junior Non-Commissioned Officer from Rabat was selected for this course for his interest in electronics and his aptitude for fine and detailed mechanical work.

The course included a required ability to solve practical mathematical problems quickly and accurately, and coupled with Sammut's practical experience on board the squadron's Diciotti-class P-61 offshore patrol vessel, all was of value in demonstrating his best mechanical or electrical trade qualities.

The course students had to cover topics such as electricity, physics, algebra, trigonometry and shop, however, they all begin with classes in intensive electronic theory, and continue with more specialised instruction.

Lance Bombardier Sammut's 28-week apprentice-level electronics course was divided into seven units of instruction, each dealing with different aspects of electronics fundamentals. The course kicks off with indoctrination and includes basic theory, safety, measurement, and troubleshooting techniques.

The technical training covered basic electronics, digital circuit theory and communication fundamentals, using advanced computer trainers and the communications equipment used throughout the US Coast Guard fleet.

The course encompasses the use of test equipment, technical publications and troubleshooting methods used for corrective maintenance to the lowest repairable level.

As students progress through the course, they receive instruction on DC circuits, soldering, power supplies and depth sounders, among others. Emphasis is placed on the students' ability to diagnose and repair equipment faults. Each unit has a number of terminal performance objectives that must be mastered by the student to complete the unit successfully.

After graduation, Sammut now possesses the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced electronics classes, more on-the-job training programmes, and the performance of basic technical tasks.

It will also provide him with the opportunity to perform AFM Maritime Squadron operations related to various technical specialties, including aids to navigation.