• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Kearsarge Onloads 24th MEU Assets for OIF

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040616-04
Release Date: 6/16/2004 10:24:00 PM

By Chief Journalist Dave Nagle, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) stopped off the coast of Camp Lejune, N.C., June 8-10 to onload Marines, vehicles and equipment to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terrorism.

Kearsarge, which surge deployed June 7, onloaded elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) for transport to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

For two days, the tempo aboard Kearsarge was a well-orchestrated choreography as supplies, equipment and personnel arrived aboard to prepare for the trip across the Atlantic Ocean.

"Before we deployed, there was daily coordination with the 24th MEU, sometimes about four to five times a day," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. John James of Kearsarge's combat cargo department. "Based on their information, we worked out a load plan to determine where everything would go. That plan had to be coordinated with the ship's Damage Control Assistant to ensure the stability of the ship. In addition, we worked hand in hand with the air and deck departments."

Kearsarge's flight deck came alive as MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters moved 518 pallets of ammunition aboard during a vertical replenishment with USS Detroit (AOE 4). As soon as the helicopters dropped one pallet on the flight deck, Combat Cargo Marines rushed in and moved it to the hangar bay, where aviation ordnancemen were waiting to load it into the ship's magazines.

At the same time, CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters began landing on deck with personnel, supplies and equipment for the Marine element. Seasoned flight deck handlers moved across the flight deck, securing and removing chocks and chains alongside new handlers experiencing this evolution for the first time.

"It was really fast paced up there, but very exciting," said Airman Shiane Burklund of V-1 Division, who has been aboard since March. "I joined the Navy to be on a flight deck. It was kind of a rush being out there."

A few decks below the flight deck, Landing Craft, Air Cushion from Assault Craft Unit 4 began moving Marines from the 24th MEU, along with trucks, Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV), tanks and other equipment, into the ship's well deck.

"An onload like this is very intense, and the potential for mishaps is high, because there are a lot of moving parts," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Cary Carrigan of 2nd Division. "Attention to detail, outstanding leadership, proper training and personal protective equipment are key factors to a successful and safe onload."

According to Carrigan, this particular onload posed additional challenges, because this was the first time Kearsarge loaded AAVs.

"AAVs are track vehicles that operate in water and on land," he said. "They're somewhat difficult to control, and extreme caution must be used while positioning them in Upper Vehicle Storage."

When the evolution was complete, James estimated a total onload of approximately 800-1,000 shore tons of cargo and equipment.

"We onloaded as much cargo for about 250 Marines on this mission as we did last January for 1,900 Marines," said James.

Once the last vehicle was tied in place and the last pallet unloaded, Kearsarge weighed anchor and began the transit across the Atlantic.

"For the amount of time we had to plan and execute this onload, it went very smoothly," said James.

"In the end, it was a successful onload," agreed Carrigan. "All Marine assets were brought on board, there were zero mishaps, several Sailors were trained and qualified in key positions, and Kearsarge is currently en route to carry out her mission as ordered."