• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Assessment Helps Kitty Hawk's Combat Systems Stay Seaworthy

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060527-03
Release Date: 5/27/2006 12:23:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Randy Lane, USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs

USS KITTY HAWK, At Sea (NNS) -- To help keep USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) operating at top efficiency, the ship’s combat systems department went through an annual readiness assessment of its combat systems suite (C5RA) to help identify repair discrepancies and maintain equipment readiness.

Beginning May 6 and continuing through sea trials, combat systems, in conjunction with Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, began reviewing all combat systems gear aboard Kitty Hawk with “a fine-tooth comb,” according to Chief Warrant Officer Wesley Kirby, C5RA coordinator.

“We’re looking to make sure everything is within operational standards,” said Kirby. “In two weeks, we’ve tested more than 3,300 pieces of equipment and found more than $900,000 worth of equipment casualties. Given the fact that Kitty Hawk is a 45-year-old ship and conducts high tempo operations, that’s an average number.”

During the first week of the assessment, subject matter experts (SME) from the evaluation team observe combat systems in their daily routine. They then annotate the areas the department could improve upon, and which pieces of equipment need repairs or upgrades.

Once Kitty Hawk is out for sea trials, the SMEs and technicians test and repair any equipment that couldn’t be tested in port, such as long-range air search radar.

“It’s a great training tool for our younger technicians who have just come to the fleet,” said Kirby. “It also gives us a very in-depth look at our combat suite by telling us what’s operational and what isn’t, and what we need to do to get it [operational].”

Kirby said Kitty Hawk Sailors were responsible for the ship’s strong showing on the assessment so far.

“They’ve worked a lot of long, hard hours preparing to get underway,” added Kirby. “If it’s not working 100 percent, then it’s broken. As a forward-deployed aircraft carrier, Kitty Hawk needs to maintain the highest state of readiness, and I’m glad our Sailors are also committed to that goal.”