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USS Enterprise Back at Sea

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030507-08
Release Date: 5/7/2003 11:24:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Sara Gray, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- After 482 days in Norfolk Naval Shipyard, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is on the move again. This time, it will be on the prowl for sea trials and then toward Naval Station Norfolk, not only marking the end of a long, arduous yard period, but also the beginning of an adventure.

"The crew is excited to get underway," said Enterprise Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Michael J. Oldknow. "Forty to 60 percent of the crew has never been underway, so I believe they are excited to see what that actually means. They joined the Navy to go to sea, so they are excited that it's finally happening."

New personnel aboard are not the only ones anxious to begin the road to deployment, but also the higher chain of command.

"The leadership is excited, because it is ready to begin the ship's primary mission," said the Oldknow. "This is a capital ship designed to launch aircraft, and that is what we should be doing."

More than 700 Sailors from both Reactor and Engineering Departments worked 12-hour days in three-section duty, sacrificing precious time away from their families and friends to ensure that Enterprise was ready to get underway.

"For six months, reactor and engineering have concentrated their efforts to prepare Enterprise for fast cruise and upcoming underway periods," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) Scott A. Garner, Reactor Department's leading chief petty officer. "We have been supporting ship testing and doing everything in our power to get this ship ready for sea."

The Sailors of the reactor department, and the entire ship, look forward to getting underway.

"We are absolutely ready for sea," said Garner. "Reactor Department is thrilled to be getting underway. They will be able to fall into a more normal routine after six months of crazy hours and exhaustive work."

Enterprise is in excellent condition, thanks in large part to the effort from the crew.

"Materiel-wise, the ship is in better condition than she has ever been before," said Oldknow. "We have taken care of the little things that have not been taken care of in previous yard periods. But, it is up to us to keep it a nice, clean, working ship."

Another major contribution to preparing Enterprise for sea has been the support and hard work from the ship's Supply department.

"The Supply department's motto is 'Ready for Sea,' and that is what we are all about," said Cmdr. Robert C. Bronson, Enterprise supply officer. "Getting ready for sea is where our stress really kicks in, because of our wide range of responsibility to Enterprise. We must ensure that both the air wing and the ship are ready to get out there and complete our mission successfully."

One important way in which Supply contributed to Enterprise command readiness was to order the 60,000 required parts for maintenance during deployment.

The efforts of the Enterprise Supply Department personnel do not go unnoticed.

"I want to thank everyone for their support," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) William E. Wethington, Reactor Department's RM division leading chief petty officer. "The rest of the ship has supported our efforts, especially Supply Department. Not only do they bend over backwards to get us the parts that we need, but they also adjust meal hours for those Sailors who would otherwise go hungry."

While Enterprise is ready for sea, its Sailors are ensuring their own preparations are complete.

"We need to make sure that we are secure for sea," said Cmdr. Michael B. Chase, Enterprise executive officer. "We do not want to find out the hard way that we are not as prepared as we thought we were. Safety is our number one priority here."

The required preparations are not only made aboard Enterprise, but are also needed for the home front.

"Families need to be prepped for our upcoming underway periods and deployment," said Oldknow. "Sailors must ensure they have the information for Family Services, deployment and homecoming dates, Red Cross, etc. But, also make sure that they, themselves, are prepared. They must make sure they have the articles they will need to live onboard. Finally, Sailors must mentally prepare themselves. We want to be alert and trained for our mission."

The sea trials and move to Norfolk will be a new experience for many Sailors who have never been to sea before, and also for the 160 civilians who will accompany Enterprise during these evolutions.

Enterprise Sailors worked hard and long to get Enterprise to this point in its history. As Oldknow put it, "Sailors belong on a ship, and a ship belongs out to sea."