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Kearsarge Sweeps Force Protection Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060517-10
Release Date: 5/17/2006 9:44:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Robert Keilman, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) completed its Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Exercise (ATFPX) May 2, marking another certification toward the ship’s Unit Level of Training Assessment (ULTRA C).

Kearsarge was certified in the initial phase of the assessment where inspectors from Afloat Training Group (ATG) in Norfolk evaluated the ship’s watchstanders, Force Protection Training Team and Ship’s Self Defense Force.

“We prepared for the ATFPX by continuously training,” said Chief Master-at-Arms (SW/AW) Ray Robinson, Kearsarge’s anti-terrorism training officer. “This ship takes training more seriously than any other ship I’ve been on. The ship’s training officer worked diligently to provide us with enough opportunities to train, while the ship’s security officer constantly motivated watchstanders to learn all aspects of force protection.”

According to Robinson, there are three levels of the ATFPX. The first level is an initial assessment that tests the ship’s ability to perform force protection scenarios. The other two levels are additional training levels where ATG would re-visit a ship to monitor its status in force protection training.

ATG also asked various questions to each watchstander during the ATFPX.

“ATG asked me questions on the six levels of force continuum, ranges of the 9mm pistol and the deadly force triangle,” said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class (AW) Esley Smith, a petty officer of the watch aboard Kearsarge. “I think it’s important that we had ATG here, because they were able to see firsthand what Kearsarge Sailors can do in real-life force protection situations.”

In addition to assessments and exercises performed in the ATFPX, Sailors also took Level of Knowledge (LOK) tests.

“I’m excited that we were certified on the initial assessment and scored well on the LOK exams,” said Robinson. “I’m really proud of the ship for turning and burning. This was challenging, but rewarding. The Sailors performed phenomenally.”

ULTRA C is part of SHIPTRAIN, the Navy’s new training construct developed to support the Fleet Response Plan and make more ships available for operations around the world.