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GW Completes Fast Cruise, Underway for Sea Trials

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051218-03
Release Date: 12/18/2005 11:36:00 AM

By Journalist 3rd Class Latisha Gholston, USS George Washington Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) completed a simulated underway, or Fast Cruise, and got underway Dec. 15 for sea trials, after a 10-and-a-half month Docked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard.

Sea trials constitute the final determination of a ship’s material readiness and ability to rejoin the fleet as a fully operational unit.

“Fast Cruise was a huge success,” said Capt. Garry R. White, GW’s commanding officer. “The shipyard did a great job during availability, and our Sailors are recharged and ready to hit the open seas, complete sea trials and return to the fleet.”

The simulated underway conditions during Fast Cruise were designed to prepare the ship and crew for sea trials and their return to the ship’s homeport at Naval Station Norfolk.

During the virtual underway, the crew stayed busy testing all systems, simulating flight operations and battle scenarios, and conducting damage control drills. Although moored to the shipyard pier, most shore services including electricity, telephone communications and Internet access were disconnected. GW then conducted a series of tests and drills to confirm the ship’s seaworthiness.

“We’ve been working hard, training hard, having fun and getting the job done,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler) Airman (AW) Tiffany Thompson of GW’s flight deck division. “Up here everyone learns no matter what their rank.”

While on Fast Cruise, GW Sailors successfully completed simulated evolutions, such as underway replenishment (UNREP). They also learned about new software and made sure GW’s command standards were back up to speed.

GW arrived in the shipyard Jan. 27, and has been undergoing a $400 million modernization at Northop Grumman Newport News shipyard. All systems and equipment overhauled by Northop Grumman Newport News will be tested.

With the completion of Fast Cruise, GW is now only a step away from returning to the fleet.