• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

NBK Port Operations Personnel Get Certified in Oil Spill Response

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060815-13
Release Date: 8/15/2006 4:52:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mary Popejoy, Northwest Region Public Affairs Center

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- After a week of classroom instruction, 20 Sailors from Naval Base Kitsap's Port Operations department were certified in oil spill response, Aug. 11.

"During the class we discuss a lot of topics, but the main one's are the basics of oil spill response, terminology, boat handling, mooring strategies, product containment, recovery, disposal and protection," said Terry Parton, oil spill response facilitator.

Parton added that learning out of a book puts everything into perspective, but it takes getting out there on the water for them to really understand what they've learned.

"I enjoy the scenario the best, because in the classroom they don't completely understand all the configurations, and then they get out on the water, do it one time, the light bulb comes on and they realize it's not very difficult," said Parton.

Quartermaster 1st Class (SW/AW) Elias Boddy, a native of Portland, Ore., who attended the course and served as boat coxswain during the scenario, thought it was a great way for him to see how well he does under pressure.

"I learned to stay calm and be ready for anything, because you don't know what's going to happen out there when you're trying to contain a spill," said Boddy.

Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Rich Hornauer, a native of Plaserville, Calif., learned that in addition to working with different people, the environment and equipment are also key factors that need to be considered whether responding to a scenario or the real thing.

"When organizing a plan, you think about working with your team, but you don't always worry about the water currents and how the different types of equipment work together, so it was nice to see the scenario play out firsthand," said Hornauer. "It was definitely a good learning experience."

Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Tim Clark, leading chief petty officer of Oil Spill division and a native of St. Augustine, Fla., was extremely pleased about how well his Sailors performed during the drill.

"The Sailors did a great job and were successful in recovering the mock product," said Clark. "All in all, it was a good drill, but we will continue to do more training and help them improve their knowledge level."

Whether they're training for a spill or assisting on the waters of the Puget Sound, the end goal is always the same.

"To keep the Puget Sound beautiful and environmentally safe," said Hornauer.