GW Gets Underway for 'Second Wave'
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060306-09
Release Date: 3/6/2006 3:30:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jerry Foltz, USS George Washington Public Affairs
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Having recently completed the certifications and qualifications necessary for going to sea, USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) departed Norfolk Naval Station early Feb. 28 for its second scheduled underway period of the year.
The purpose of this underway is to provide carrier qualifications and training carrier qualifications for seven squadrons. Additionally, there will be a lot of training for the whole crew.
Several departments played a vital role in helping the 97,000-ton aircraft carrier get underway. From deck to navigation, every Sailor uses the skills they have trained for since arriving on board.
“Sometimes it seems very stressful,” said Quartermaster 3rd Class Andrew Dugger, a qualified master helmsman from GW’s navigation department. "Once the tugs are free, it’s up to us to get the ship underway. We serve as the most elite drivers of the boat because of our knowledge of navigation. As long as we keep our heads on straight, the boat will follow.”
During the underway period, GW Sailors will perform drills such as general quarters and simulate responding to various military situations, in order to keep them and mission ready in preparation for operations later this year.
While most of the crew enjoyed the weekend with families, Sailors like Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Anne Marie Jelinek, who works in GW’s combat direction center, started some of the underway check-offs more than 96 hours prior to departure.
“Most of our major checks usually occur within 72 hours of getting underway, which includes chart preparation,” Jelinek said. “We act as secondary navigation and monitor most surface aspects of the ship. It is important to know if there are any problems as early as possible.”
In addition to ship-wide drills, department specific drills will be held to increase the efficiency and knowledge of every Sailor and work center aboard the ship. Drills of one sort or another are held in virtually every department, from navigators and helmsmen on the bridge, to engineers working in machinery rooms deep within the ship’s hull.
But the job is not done once the ship shifts colors. Constant corrections and troubleshooting make the operations of an underway a technically proficient goal of all involved.
“Since we can’t do things like rotate radar in port, it is especially critical that we stay on top of our game while we are to sea,” said Jelinek.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
