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Wasp Earns Well Deck Certification

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050706-04
Release Date: 7/7/2005 3:42:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) Mark C. Schultz, USS Wasp Public Affairs

ABOARD USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) earned its well deck certification June 23 off the coast of Virginia.

The ship and its crew spent the week loading and unloading Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) and Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) for the Afloat Training Group (ATG) staff on board.

“We are conducting well deck evaluations and assessments,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jose Sein, Amphibious Group 2 seamanship officer. “We review all the administrative records, procedures and instructions; inspect and ensure equipment is in good shape; and make sure that the lines and chains are ready for use.”

This assessment may seem like a test, but ATG is not only grading the ship and its crew, but is helping train as well.

“We’ll take corrective actions and stop the evolution if we see something is not being done properly,” said Sein. “We will talk to the crew and correct them on-site before redoing the drill. Ninety-nine percent of the time, they take that knowledge and perform to high standards.”

After inspecting the programs and equipment, the inspectors allowed the ship to bring out LCACs and LCUs.

“The ship [conducted] dual operations, both day and night,” said Sein. “This [helped] bring the crew up to standards.”

The certification involved crew members throughout the ship.

“Most people think this is just a deck department event,” said Sein. “Really, this is a shipwide event. It requires planning from deck, navigation, operations, admin and all the watch standers. Outside entities like the administrative officer and AIMD (aviation intermediate maintenance department) officer are key players in making this evolution happen.”

All the drills and training can get stressful at times, “but when everything clicks, you can see a smile of gratification on the crew’s faces,” said Sein.

The well deck certification was just one of many certifications Wasp is working on before it is considered surge-capable. The ship spent four months in a maintenance availability and is required to demonstrate its proficiency in all areas, including flight deck and well deck operations, engineering, combat and navigation.