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Enterprise Shares 'Lessons Learned' From Summer Pulse '04

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS040824-05
Release Date: 8/24/2004 11:15:00 AM

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE (NNS) -- Since USS Enterprise's (CVN 65) (Big E) return from Summer Pulse '04 July 23, the crew has had the opportunity to assess the experience to see what worked, what didn't and how to best learn from it.

Summer Pulse '04, the Navy's first deployment under the new Fleet Response Plan (FRP), demonstrated the Navy's combat power with the simultaneous deployment of seven aircraft carrier strike groups in five theaters, with other U.S., allied and coalition military forces.

Some Enterprise Sailors found the surge deployment reinforced the importance of good planning, since FRP requires Enterprise to be in a constant state of readiness. Culinary Specialist 1st (SW) Class Joseph Zeske, the leading petty officer of Supply Department's cargo division, said keeping a larger stock of supplies aboard is a good way to do just that.

"You want to keep your stock objective higher," said Zeske. "Usually when you're in port or just doing little workups, you can let your stock level get a little low. But because of the Fleet Response Plan, you carry more, because if we were called up to go underway in a week, we need to make sure that we're ready to get underway."

That's a plan that applies to the entire ship. "Enterprise's motto is 'Ready on Arrival,'" said Zeske, "and that means everything from being able to launch aircraft to feeding the crew."

Some Sailors took advantage of the surge deployment to better ready themselves and become more proficient in their ratings.

"I learned a great deal about [our systems] and other ships' capabilities from working with other ships and other nations," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Joseph Smith. "I broadened my horizons in my field. You can only be as great as your knowledge, so I try to learn everything that's possible, and surge gave me a lot of time to learn."

With the knowledge and experience Enterprise's crew gained from Summer Pulse '04, they can continue to ensure Big E is always "Ready on Arrival."