Guardian Completes Underway Training
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060206-11
Release Date: 2/6/2006 11:45:00 AM
By Ensign Mathew Rippee, Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- USS Guardian (MCM 5) returned to Sasebo, Japan, after completing underway mine sweep training and main space fire drills, Jan. 25.
Guardian used the underway period to conduct several combination mine sweeps.
Mine hunting efficiency was top priority for the minesweeper as it practiced numerous mine-searching scenarios. During the exercise, the crew took the variable depth sonar down to 1,000 ft. The variable depth sonar is one of the main devices used for mine detection.
Guardian conducted one main space fire drill and two Integrated Training Team (ITT) scenarios to ensure the crew was at top proficiency across the board.
“Readiness has always been and continues to be a top priority on this ship,” said Lt. Steve Ilteris, Guardian executive officer. “We want to be able to achieve mine sweep mission whenever we may be called upon.”
Guardian is in the midst of a training cycle, making it even more important for the ship to conduct the drills, said Ilteris.
The deck department worked especially hard, said Lt. j.g. Ivan Kanzaki, Guardian’s 1st Lieutenant, noting that his team underwent at least 20 hours of mine sweeping evolutions.
“This strenuous training allowed personnel to enhance their already advanced mine sweeping skills,” said Kanzaki. “We are aware that these skills may be needed in the future, so we want to be as prepared as possible – and I think the deck team is fully prepared.”
Guardian is a mine countermeasures ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Guardian and USS Patriot (MCM 7) serve under Task Force 76, which serves as the 7th Fleet’s mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations.
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