The Maintainer Podcast

In this episode of The Maintainer Podcast, we explore how strong leadership, technical expertise, and the next generation of maintainers are shaping the future of the Navy’s surface force. Hear from MARMC Executive Officer Captain Dennis Richardson as he shares his perspective on leadership, innovation, and keeping ships mission-ready. Then, Captain Thomas, Commanding Officer of SIMA Norfolk, discusses the return of Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activities and how they’re rebuilding Sailor technical proficiency for the fleet of tomorrow. Finally, we spotlight MARMC’s Code 295, whose highly specialized team keeps some of the fleet’s most critical combat systems operating at peak performance. Join us as we take a closer look at the people and partnerships driving fleet readiness every day.


(00:00:00) Intro


(00:01:25) CO Update with Captain Dan Hemminger


(00:05:41) MARMC Executive Officer Captain Dennis Richardson


(00:29:31) SIMA Norfolk Commanding Officer Captain Megan Thomas


(00:56:24) Code 295 Acting Branch Head Dave Hamaty


(01:08:53) Wrap Up


(01:09:33) Sign-Offs


(01:10:10) Outro


Social Media Links:
https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/MARMC
https://www.facebook.com/MidatlanticRMC/
https://www.instagram.com/midatlantic_rmc/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mid-atlantic-regional-maintenance-center

https://www.facebook.com/people/Shore-Intermediate-Maintenance-Activity-Norfolk/61589204612434/


Information presented in the podcast represents the views and opinions of the original content creators and their guests and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense or the U.S. government. Any mention of specific companies, products, services or content does not imply endorsement by Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense or the U.S. government.

We're back with another episode of The Maintainer Podcast, where we explore the people and projects driving fleet readiness at MARMC. Join us as Capt. Dan Hemminger reflects on his first year in command, and Project Manager Ben Reynolds discusses the successful maintenance availability of USS James E. Williams. We also spotlight DC3 Prince Opuku’s experience on the All-Navy Men’s Soccer Team and hear valuable insights from MARMC Mental Health Counselor Kezia McNair in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Finally, get an inside look at the daily operations of the Gas Turbine Shop with GSM1 Caine and GSM2 Schmitz, and learn about the power of curiosity and community outreach with STEM Program Manager Arvin Persaud.



(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:35) CO Update with Captain Dan Hemminger

(00:04:18) Project Manager Ben Reynolds details the successful maintenance availability of USS James E. Williams

(00:12:15) DC3 Prince Opuku shares his experience representing the Navy on the All-Navy Men’s Soccer Team

(00:23:03) MARMC Mental Health Counselor Kezia McNair in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

(00:24:18) GSM1 Caine and GSM2 Schmitz discuss the critical daily fleet support provided by MARMC’s Gas Turbine Shop

(00:32:24) STEM Program Manager Arvin Persaud highlights local volunteer efforts and the universal impact of STEM

(00:44:18) Wrap Up

(00:44:43) Sign-Offs

(00:45:16) Outro

In this episode of The Maintainer Podcast, we explore the people and missions driving fleet readiness at Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center.

We begin with Commanding Officer Captain Dan Hemminger, who shares what the reconstitution of Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) Norfolk means for MARMC, our workforce, and the future of ship maintenance.

Then we head south with Lieutenant Commander Spicer to hear how a MARMC expeditionary repair team supported USS Iwo Jima and USS San Antonio during Operation Southern Spear.

Next, Lieutenant Commander Geiss joins us to discuss earning the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems Excellence Award and how her team set new standards for modernization and innovation.

We also dive below the waterline with MARMC’s Dive Shop, where ND1 Toomer and ND2 Simonini share what it takes to perform high-risk, high-precision repairs in one of the Navy’s most challenging environments.

Finally, we highlight the spirit of service beyond the workplace as Chief Ollie Dunlap reflects on receiving the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award and the importance of community leadership and mentorship.

From expeditionary repairs to underwater operations, this episode celebrates the people whose dedication and teamwork keep the Fleet mission-ready!



(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:51) CO Update with Captain Dan Hemminger

(00:03:36) LCDR Spicer, Expeditionary Repairs in the Caribbean

(00:15:32) LCDR Geiss, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems Excellence Award

(00:26:49) ND1 Toomer and ND2 Simonini, MARMC Dive Shop

(00:44:32) GSMC Dunlap, Bob Feller Act of Valor Award

(00:53:00) Wrap Up

(00:53:27) Sign-Offs

(00:54:01) Outro

Welcome back to The Maintainer Podcast! Before we roll into 2026, we’re taking a look back at 2025. We're closing out the year by catching up, and celebrating our shipmates. We’ll get an update from MARMC CO, Captain Dan Hemminger, get some tips from MARMC’s top marksman, Dylan Caves, and check in with the crew over at floating dry-dock DYNAMIC. We’ll also revisit the early delivery of USS MCFAUL, and talk with a few of the talented technicians who supported our allies on the Poland Fly-Away Team. Later on, local sports fans might hear a familiar voice, and you can learn how to get your Black Belt—no karate required.

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:25) CO Update with Captain Dan Hemminger
(00:04:26) MARMC Marksman Dylan Caves
(00:24:50) DYNAMIC Cost-Savings Evolution
(00:32:41) Early Delivery of USS MCFAUL with Travis Dalton
(00:43:41) PA Announcer Brian Gimbel
(01:00:04) Poland Fly-Away Team
(01:08:28) Lean Six Sigma with Tracey Edwards
(01:18:56) Wrap Up
(01:19:27) Sign-Offs
(01:20:02) Outro

In this special edition of The Maintainer Podcast, we sit down with MARMC’s outgoing Executive Officer, Captain Keith Foster, for a candid conversation about leadership, teamwork, and his vision for the command. He shares lessons from his Navy career, priorities as XO, and insights into supporting Sailors and civilians as they drive fleet readiness every day. We also hear from Chief Carter, who highlights the upcoming Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS), launching in early September, and why your participation is vital to shaping MARMC’s future.