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Cleveland Passes INSURV Inspection with Flying Colors

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050517-06
Release Date: 5/17/2005 1:55:00 PM

By Lt. Ron Flanders, Expeditionary Strike Group 1 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS CLEVELAND (NNS) -- USS Cleveland (LPD 7) received high marks during its recent Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) May 6.

The 38-year old amphibious transport dock, which is currently preparing for deployment with Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1, was deemed “cleared to sail” on the second day of INSURV, which is the benchmark for what is without a doubt the most intrusive material inspection in the Navy.

“I am so proud of the crew,” said Capt. Michael Chase, Cleveland’s commanding officer. “They worked tremendously hard to get the ship ready materially, and they did so without complaint. Cleveland is combat-ready and our Sailors understand what it means to be ready for sea,” Chase added.

The INSURV inspection generally occurs every three to five years and is an assessment of a ship’s systems. The first day of the inspection is a “cold check” of the ship’s material readiness. The second day is a “hot check,” when the systems are powered up to see if the ship is ready to be evaluated at sea. If the ship is not deemed materially ready by the second day, it fails. But there were no such worries for Cleveland, which the Board cleared to sail during the early evening of the second day.

“That is very rare to see an LPD of that age to be cleared on the second day,” said Cmdr. Jess Matudio, ESG 1’s material officer. “What Cleveland has done here is impressive. It is a testament to the attitude, work ethic, dedication and motivation of her crew.”

Cleveland, along with USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and USS Tarawa (LHA 1), is a member of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1. ESG 1 combines the proven flexibility of PHIBRON 1 with the striking power of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and adds the precision strike, anti-surface, anti-air, and anti submarine capabilities of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), the cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), the frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) and the fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763). ESG 1, currently undergoing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), deploys later this summer.

Rear Adm. Michael LeFever, commander of ESG 1, praised Cleveland’s Sailors for their work.

“It’s not the age of the platform that matters,” LeFever said. “It’s the heart of the crew that counts. Cleveland Sailors love that ship, and they have proven they’ll do whatever it takes to keep her ready for combat. As we train as a strike group to perform missions across the spectrum of warfare, I know my amphibious transport dock can answer any tasking.”

It has been a busy time for the crew of Cleveland, which went from a yard period right into its interdeployment training cycle. But despite a robust training schedule in the weeks ahead, Cleveland Sailors now have a little extra motivation to continue to demonstrate excellence.

“It really makes me feel proud that our ship did so well,” said Seaman Larry Lohmann of Cleveland’s First Division. “It makes all that hard work pay off.”