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Steel Hammer Completes MCA During Multi-Sail 06

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060509-14
Release Date: 5/9/2006 9:41:00 PM

By Ensign Stephanie Krueger, USS Curtis Wilbur Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) completed its Mid-Cycle Assessment (MCA) April 19-22 while participating in Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15’s Multi-Sail 2006 (MS06) exercise.

The MCA served as DESRON 15’s formal review of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer’s current training and readiness levels in engineering, damage control, combat systems, navigation, medical, industrial hygiene, and multiple warfare areas. The ship also completed an assessment of its Maintenance and Material Management (3M) Program during the MCA.

The three-and-a-half-day assessment was conducted by eight representatives from DESRON 15 and four members of Afloat Training Group Western Pacific. The MCA Team conducted numerous program reviews and evaluated dozens of evolutions and several drills, including an Integrated Training Team (ITT) scenario that flexed the capabilities of the entire crew.

The ITT drill simulated battle conditions as crew members fought fires and flooding, launched missiles, and handled mass casualties.

Quartermaster Seaman Michael Thoumire played the role of an injured Sailor during the two-hour scenario. “This type of training is always a good thing because it prepares us for battle. A well-trained and diligent watch team can be the difference between victory and defeat,” he said.

DESRON 15’s lead assessor, Lt. Cmdr. D. E. Cooper, stated that this was his third MCA as part of an inspection team, and that Curtis Wilbur’s MCA was “outstanding.” He noted that proficiency was demonstrated in nearly every area, an indication that training is an everyday occurrence aboard Curtis Wilbur.

While completing MCA, Curtis Wilbur also participated in all Multi-Sail events, designed to improve watch stander and team proficiency. The first few days of MS06 included ship handling evolutions, formation steaming, engineering casualty control drills, and anti-submarine warfare exercises.

Cmdr. Brian P. O’Donnell, Curtis Wilbur’s commanding officer, noted that the MCA report was indicative of his crew’s hard work.

“The Steel Hammer team performed well across the board," he said. "I could not be more proud of the crew.”

Curtis Wilbur operates out of Yokosuka, Japan.

To learn more, please visit the Web site at www.ccsg5.navy.mil.