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GW Sailors Have Finger on Pulse, Ready to Surge

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040722-06
Release Date: 7/22/2004 9:48:00 PM

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW/IUSS) Henry Rice, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) transited the Strait of Gibraltar July 20 and entered the Atlantic Ocean, as the ship and crew wind down a historic six-month deployment. The crew anticipates a big homecoming celebration July 26, but they are still on call under the Navy's Fleet Response Plan (FRP).

Under the FRP, the Navy will maintain the ability to simultaneously deploy six carrier strike groups (CSGs) in less than 30 days to support contingency operations around the world, and have two more CSGs ready to support or relieve elements of the initial responding forces within three months. Junior Sailors aboard GW believe the FRP is the Navy's way to set up its assets for any contingency that may occur.

"The FRP ensures that we have all available ships and squadrons ready to go if something happens," said Seaman Andrea Berghella, a member of GW's deck department on her first deployment. "We always hear about the Navy being the 9-1-1 service, but the FRP will validate that, and ensure we truly are ready to respond anytime, anywhere with up to eight carrier strike groups. That is a lot of power that can be spread throughout the world if needed to provide stability in a region or strike at an adversary."

The Navy is exercising that point this summer, having seven CSGs underway simultaneously in five theaters throughout the world. This first test of this new operational concept is Summer Pulse '04 and includes GW, USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Navy readjusted previously scheduled events to get the seven CSGs underway during the same time period, and for GW, Summer Pulse coincided with the ship's end of deployment schedule.

After more than four months in the Persian Gulf supporting ground troops in Iraq, GW doesn't have many operational commitments during Summer Pulse, but it is playing a role. Its major contribution is presence, being an underway asset that can be utilized by the president to respond to a national emergency or crisis.

"Being in Deck Department, I know it takes a lot of coordination and work to get ships underway, and the Navy is helping out by making sure we are ready," said Berghella. "And after my first deployment, I can see what a role the carrier, air wing and surface ships play in places like the (Persian) Gulf."

Being underway and ready to respond is a role GW Sailors have filled since they deployed Jan. 20. They realized a goal of the FRP, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark's vision of "presence with a purpose." That was what the George Washington Carrier Strike Group's 2004 deployment was all about. GW and the strike group were on station in the Persian Gulf, providing vital support in the efforts to stabilize a newly liberated Iraq. They remained in the Persian Gulf right through the transfer of sovereign power in Iraq June 28, and departed the region in early July.

"I am very proud I was part of such an historic event," said Airman (AW) Ashley Stephen, who works in Air Department aboard GW. "It is very special considering it was my first deployment, and the impact it had on world events."

During operations in the Gulf, aircraft from the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 conducted more than 7,000 sorties, 1,500 of which were directly engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ships assigned to the strike group, USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), HMCS Toronto (FFH 333) and USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) initiated or were involved in more than 200 boardings of merchant vessels during maritime intervention operations, and logged more than 12,000 surface contacts in the Persian Gulf.

Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Quintino Johnson stood many watches in GW's Combat Direction Center during the deployment, and feels a lot of pride knowing the support the ship gave the U.S. and coalition soldiers and marines on the ground.

"Our fellow military men and women were directly in the line of fire," said Johnson. "Knowing that I was part of that and the whole mission in Iraq makes me feel real good."

Following turnover with Kennedy, the crew was required to keep its focus on readiness as it transited away from the front line. Although GW is winding down a routine six-month deployment, the qualifications and training continues as the ship prepares for surge status. GW and CVW-7 will be required to answer the bell if needed to, and Sailors are making all the preparations necessary if that call comes.

"I have spoken to my wife and family about the FRP, and about gradual or sudden changes that may take place," said Storekeeper 3rd Class Dewan Aiken, a Sailor in Aviation Supply Division. "I knew when I joined that the Navy was a life choice that would make great demands on my family, and they are supportive and very understanding."

The Navy says the success of Summer Pulse is not only measured by the CSGs' ability to deploy on short notice, but more importantly, the Navy's ability to maintain a six-plus-two capability after all the ships have returned in August.

"It isn't over 'til it is over," said Executive Officer Capt. Dee Mewborne. The ship's role in the FRP doesn't even begin until the ship returns from deployment. That is when the real test of how effective the FRP can be, as GW becomes a surge carrier.

When GW arrives in port Norfolk, families and friends will be waiting on the pier to see their returning heroes, and although the crew will be anxious to enjoy life back in the United States, GW Sailors will not have a traditional post-deployment stand down. Instead, they will conduct business as usual, waiting for a call they hope won't be made.

Summer Pulse '04 is the simultaneous deployment of seven aircraft carrier strike groups, demonstrating the ability of the Navy to provide credible combat power across the globe, in five theaters, with other U.S., allied and coalition military forces. Summer Pulse is the Navy's first deployment under its new Fleet Response Plan.