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USS Bataan Transits the Suez Canal

Story Number: NNS030219-11
Release Date: 2/20/2003 4:59:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class Sonya Ansarov, USS Bataan Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- If you think driving in heavy traffic on the highway is stressful, how about navigating a 42,000-ton ship down a canal that's no bigger than a six-lane highway?

That's exactly what USS Bataan (LHD 5) Sailors did recently when transiting through the Suez Canal.

"The canal transit can be stressful because so many ships still do run aground even with electronic navigation, and with the close proximity to other ships, the chances for collision are greatly increased," said Quartermaster 1st Class (SW) Scott Buckingham.

The canal, commonly called the "ditch," can be a challenge to navigate according to Chief Quartermaster (SW) Ray Hafner, whose quartermasters are in charge of plotting the course, preparing the charts and making sure they are up to date.

"It's a long transit, and it takes about 13 hours to get through it. We are working long hours fixing the ship's position every two-to-three minutes to keep the ship in the center of the canal. Plus, the canal is not straight, and there are 42 course changes, or turn points, throughout the canal," said Hafner.

Plotting the ship's course can be a challenge as well as driving the ship.

"It was my first time driving the ship through the Suez Canal. The hours were long, and it was stressful because you really have to concentrate since the canal is so narrow. The slightest degree off course could cause the ship to run aground," said Seaman Rayan Sharma, one of three master helmsmen responsible for driving the ship through the canal. "I am proud that I was needed and helped get the ship through the canal safely."

Safety of the ship and its personnel was also a concern during the transit. "The Suez is a choke point in the world and a hazard for ships because we are so close to land," said Buckingham.

Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Brian McQuillen participated directly in the ship's safety by standing force protection watches. "This is sort of stressful, and I am nervous, but standing up these watches just goes to show that we are ready for anything. It's a new experience for me, and it's something that's got to be done."

Even though there were possible dangers of running the ship aground, the Sailors of Bataan proved they were ready with the right skills and knowledge to get the ship and crew safely through the Suez Canal.