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USS Juneau Prepares to Deploy

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060928-01
Release Date: 9/28/2006 9:28:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kyle Carlstrom, Armed Forces Network, Sasebo

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors stationed aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Juneau (LPD 10), homeported in Sasebo, Japan, completed a 12-week ship’s restricted availability (SRA) and “fast cruise” Sept. 13 in preparation for their upcoming routine fall patrol.

SRA is an extended maintenance period conducted to maintain the physical condition of the ship and keep it combat ready.

“Basically, it’s an overhaul of the ship,” said Capt. John. D. Alexander, commanding officer of Juneau. “Juneau’s starting her 38th year of service. She was commissioned July 12, 1969, so this overhaul was certainly needed to to upgrade our ship and make sure it's ready to go to sea for the fall patrol.”

Alexander said during the SRA, Juneau received new mess decks, a new flight deck and various other upgrades to brighten up the ship for the Sailors and maintain combat effectiveness.

“There was an incredible amount of effort over a 12-week period to get this much work done,” said Alexander. “It was a team effort and certainly we’re the better for it at the end.”

After completing the SRA period, Juneau conducted a “fast cruise” for its Sailors to help train and prepare them for their upcoming deployment. During the cruise, the crew practiced and improved its efficiency on drills, such as man overboard, underway replenishment and general quarters.

“This is a training environment for everyone, especially for those who haven’t gone underway,” said Quartermaster Seaman Carlos Cirilo. “There’s a lot of new seamen and officers, so this gives them a warm-up to what they’re going to face out there once we get underway.”

Many Sailors said they were looking forward to the deployment. Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Derval Davis, who will be deploying with Juneau for the third time, said each time is a new experience that allows him to grow as a Sailor and a person.

“I’m looking forward to different liberty ports, getting experience from doing new jobs and seeing the world,” he said.

Juneau operates out of Sasebo, Japan, and is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious transport dock. The Forward Deployed ARG is part of Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force, which is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.