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Guardian Departs for Underway Training Period

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050831-06
Release Date: 8/31/2005 11:20:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Adam R. Cole, USS Guardian/Task Force 76 Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- USS Guardian (MCM 5) pulled out of Sasebo Aug. 25 to conduct various minesweeping operations, basic engineering casualty control exercises (BECCE) and at-sea fire party drills in order to maintain proficiency for future deployments.

Guardian Sailors will also have the opportunity to perform training sweeps and general quarters drills during the underway period.

“This is a chance for us to do a lot of things in one trip,” said Lt. Steve Ilteris, Guardian's executive officer.

Twelve new members have checked on board Guardian since July 8, a large influx of new personnel for a ship of that size. Chief Engineman (SW) Donald G. Colbert, Guardian’s main propulsion assistant, said that it is essential to make sure the new crew members have the necessary skills to do their jobs and work as part of the Guardian team.

“It’s up to us, the experienced crew members, to sort of pass down what we know to them,” said Colbert.

Engineman Fireman Robert P. Sewell is one of the newest members on the ship. He has recently been undergoing BECCEs drills while in port. The at-sea element will further complicate things but also further prepare him, he said.

“It should be fun,” he said. “Hopefully, I won’t let the waves get to me.”

Guardian (MCM 5) is a Mine Countermeasures ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Guardian, along with USS Patriot (MCM 7) serve under Task Force 76, which serves as the U.S. 7th Fleet’s Mine Countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations.