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Fast Cruise Tradition Prepares Kitty Hawk

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050113-02
Release Date: 1/13/2005 7:24:00 AM

By Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Diana Smiley, USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) completed a fast cruise Jan. 7-8, one of the Navy's longstanding traditions of simulating an out-to-sea environment while still anchored in port.

This training was held to review the ship's mission readiness through a series of drills and emergency scenarios that the ship may encounter while at sea.

"This was one of the first steps for preparations getting under way," said Command Master Chief (AW) Cliff Yager. "By putting ourselves in such an environment, we are directing our mindset to an at-sea mentality."

According to Yager, fast cruises have been conducted for more than three decades. They are a tradition that continues today. A fast cruise also offers a refresher for seasoned Kitty Hawk Sailors prior to departure from Yokosuka, Japan.

When the fast cruise commenced, all departments throughout the ship immediately started inspecting gear and equipment. Sailors had to ensure that all gear was operational and that new Sailors had proficient knowledge through valuable hands-on training.

"In the morning, we had a fire drill and a phase two salvage drill," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW/SW) Sidney Jones, the leading petty officer for air department's flight deck division. "A phase two salvage drill simulates an aircraft that has lost one of its three main mounts or wheels. Personnel had to put a dolly in its place as a crutch."

"We do these drills often for instruction and to show proficiency. They're very important, because we are able to ensure all air personnel are well trained prior to the air wing arriving," explained Jones.

"Though we were in a training process, we performed satisfactorily."

That evening, Kitty Hawk's air department held two more fire drills, one of which was a crash-and-salvage drill and the other an internal fuel station drill.

The deck department had its own busy schedule, including the manning of refueling stations, simulating a boat transfer at sea, and a man overboard exercise.

"We had Sailors simulate an [underway replenishment (UNREP)]," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Russell Nentwich, of deck department's first division. "We manned personnel in their UNREP locations, and checked equipment and material conditions. We also had people man their line-handling stations in preparation for getting under way," said Nentwich.

For Nentwich, this fast cruise was more productive and realistic than previous fast cruises.

"Compared to the other [fast cruises], we're all really getting into our jobs and being more effective," said Nentwich. "By familiarizing ourselves with different equipment, instructions and proper procedures, we gain more confidence in our job and skills."

As other departments held their own training, the navigation department ensured communications were available. This included reviewing some of the new navigation equipment they received during the in-port period.

"We went through our under way checklist, which included the testing of all sound-powered telephones," said Quartermaster 3rd Class Mara Pavkovich. "We ensured they work properly when used in a real situation among other variables, which helps our ship to communicate and navigate through the ocean as smoothly and efficiently as possible."

"We have been training on our newest navigation equipment every day for the past week, and fast cruise was perfect for hands-on experience," she continued.

At the same time, engineering department ran several drills to ensure Kitty Hawk's mechanical, electrical and ventilation systems provided smooth sailing. The proper procedures for handling fire drills, casualty control and loss of electrical power were some of the simulated training exercises practiced by engineers.

While engineering simulated losing electricity, combat direction center (CDC), in operations department, conducted a step-by-step test of all its weapon systems.

"CDC was fully prepared to get under way," said Cmdr. Luther Hook, CDC officer.

Every department and person on the ship contributed to the exercises. Drills such as man overboard and general quarters allowed all Kitty Hawk Sailors to gain knowledge of their ship and its mission.

Kitty Hawk is the U.S. Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier.

The Kitty Hawk Strike Group is the largest carrier strike group in the Navy and is composed of the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, the guided-missile cruisers USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Cowpens (CG 63), and Destroyer Squadron 15.