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Abe, CVW-2 Complete Surge Sustainment Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050927-03
Release Date: 9/27/2005 1:26:00 PM

By Photographer's Mate Airman Timothy Roache, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At sea (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 completed quarterly surge sustainment training off of the coast of California Sept. 21.

Abe and CVW-2 had joined up at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Sept. 11, for the training in support of the Navy's Fleet Response Plan (FRP).

Unique to this underway period was a submarine familiarization (SUBFAM) exercise with the Swedish submarine HMS Gotland.

"We're going to show the watches how to recognize an international [periscope] feather in the water," said Lt. Judd Conaster, Abraham Lincoln's assistant
flight officer.

Along with the SUBFAM, Abe's Weapons Department participated in a training evolution nicknamed "Killer Barrel" Sept. 12. The event involved firing .50-caliber machine guns at a target set in the water. This training was to test Abe's ship's self defense capabilities.

To stay current and qualfied for underway operations, Abe Sailors and CVW-2 Sailors train in port as well.

Abe's Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) is a prime example of in-port training in action.

Each week, while in port, AIMD conducts training on safety, Naval Aviation Maintenance Procedures (NAMP), and professional training on each division's
underway mission.

"We'll take some gear off of the aircraft to study and to train [on]," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st class (AW) Mathew Collier, AIMD IM-3 division's
leading petty officer.

Squadron Sailors train just as hard as Abe Sailors while on the beach, but in some different settings.

Squadron pilots work on their Strike Fighter Weapons and Tactics (SWIFTI) qualifications. SWIFTI is comprised
of progressive levels of training and qualifications every pilot must maintain.

Even while aboard Abe, pilots continue to work on their important SWIFTI qualifications.

"We're always trying to clean up on all of our skills, whether it's air-to-air intercepts or air-to-ground," said Lt. Chris Miranda, a pilot for the Strike Fighter Squadron 34 Blue Blasters and an Avionics Ordnance Division Officer (AVARM) within the squadron.

Even the junior Sailors have to keep up their qualifications.

"The PCs (plane captains) have to make sure our jets are flying. We always have to make sure we are ready to deploy, since we are on surge," Miranda said.