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Engineers Aboard Boone Contribute to Neptune Warrior Success

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060629-20
Release Date: 6/29/2006 10:15:00 PM

By Photographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice John Suits, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

USS BOONE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boone’s (FFG 28) engineering department rose to the challenge during the Neptune Warrior course as the ship maneuvered for war exercises in the North Atlantic Ocean June 29.

The ship's engineers were ready at any moment to bring the ship to full power as the final days of the course indicated a future battle at sea between the two sides in the scenario.

“Engineers ensure the ship is ready to fulfill every commitment assigned by the Warfare Commander,” said Lt. James Malone, Chief Engineer aboard Boone. “We’re here to qualify Boone for deployment and gain more experience to train with allied navies.”

Neptune Warrior, a course designed by the Joint Maritime Operational Training Staff, enhances coordination between allies. The 10-day scenario tests units from 13 countries in their ability to work together and respond appropriately to various scenarios.

Every day aboard Boone is full of training and drills to maintain crew motivation and readiness for anything that should arise during the course.

Boone will deploy shortly after returning from Neptune Warrior, and Malone considers the department fully prepared to keep the 26-year-old ship in top condition, running like new and ready to support any operation.

“For Neptune Warrior, engineers have been trained in all aspects of helicopter operations, basic engineering operations, damage control and personal qualifications such as Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist,” said Malone.

Neptune Warrior’s scenarios challenge the bridge watch teams as well as the Combat Information Center (CIC), but the engineers also rise to the challenges. Electrical power is essential to the weapons systems, and the engineers ensure that during the war scenario they keep the power up and running throughout the ship.

“For this course, we not only supply power to the whole ship, we supply power to the CIC so they can run weapons systems to defend our ship if ever attacked,” said Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) David Combs, Fire Marshal aboard Boone. “Engineers take a lot of pride in operating their equipment to keep the plant and the ship in top-notch working condition for the ship to operate successfully.”

“Engineers are the lifeblood of the ship. We provide all the little things people take for granted, such as electricity and water. If there were no engineers on the ship, Boone would be a dark piece of metal floating in the ocean," said Combs.

Commander, Destroyer Squadron 24 will certify Boone’s crew for deployment based on their training and contribution during Neptune Warrior.

Also participating in the Neptune Warrior course are USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Monterey (CG 61).

For related news, visit the Destroyer Squadron 24 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/desron24/.