hullupgrades level 5
mechanic 5 for t2 repairs
or energy systems operations level 5

Be sure that you have engineering and electronics at 5, controlled bursts 4, and advanced weapon upgrades 4 are very important.

Get hullupgrades 5 after mechanic, energy sys op and the above mentioned ones.

got the armor compensation skills?

3s are alright but eventually youre gonna want them to 4

also t2 guns if you dont already have them