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GW Returns to Norfolk After Completing CQs, TCQs

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060724-05
7/24/2006

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rebecca A. Perron, USS George Washington Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) returned to Norfolk Naval Station July 24, after spending two weeks at sea completing carrier qualifications (CQ) and training carrier qualifications (TCQ) for several squadrons, as well as a number of training requirements for the crew.

This was one of GW’s last scheduled underways before heading to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in the fall for a Docked Planned Incremental Availability in preparation for the ship’s reassignment to Japan.

“We were able to accomplish an incredible amount of training for such a short time at sea,” said Capt. Garry R. White, GW’s commanding officer. “From the work we did to help pilots earn their carrier qualifications to the training we did for our own crew, we’re coming home with a tremendous sense of achievement.

“It’s rare that we’re able to qualify 100 percent of the pilots during a TCQ period,” White added. “We’re very proud to have been a part of developing the future of naval aviation.”

GW also provided training for various reserve groups in fields such as basic seamanship, weapons handling and engineering, as well as Flight Deck Battle Dress Station training for several hospital corpsmen cross-decking from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) while Truman is in the yards.

For Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tracy Adjip, the training she received from GW’s medical department is essential for Truman.

“All the flight deck qualified personnel in our department have transferred,” Adjip said. “We will be the primary trainers when we get back.”

Although GW is headed to the yards later this year, training continues to be an important agenda item for everyone. During the past two weeks the crew conducted general quarters, medical emergency, at-sea fire party and deep void rescue drills.

“Training is important because we have to continue thinking about saving the ship,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Carter, GW’s training officer. “We are also looking at manning requirements to see who will be here when we come out of the yards. We need to make sure our Sailors have the right skills so we are ready to go to Japan.”

“Training will never go away,” Carter added. “It’s not something you can pick up and put down. It’s something you have to think about every day you’re on the ship.”

For related news, visit the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.