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Bataan Engineers Set New Standard

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061025-13
Release Date: 10/25/2006 2:06:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Brian Anderson, USS Bataan Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Bataan's (LHD 5) Engineering Department completed and passed the final phase of the ship's engineering operation certification (EOC) in October, a major step for the ship to become deployable.

After six months of tests, drills and training, the engineers passed the certification with an above average score.

Commander, Amphibious Group 2, Rear Adm. Garry Hall sent a 'Bravo Zulu' message expressing congratulations to the engineering department and crew of Bataan.

“Their outstanding achievement of passing with an above average grade is a performance to be proud of. Bataan’s grade is the direct result of the crew’s hard work, dedication, and devotion to duty,” Hall said.

During the certification, the engineers ran a number of drills and evolutions and had all aspects of their department viewed by Afloat Training Group (ATG) Norfolk inspectors who certify ships to perform.

“All aspects of what we do were looked at closely,” said Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO), Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW/AW) Robert Titus. “They ran through all of our programs and they tested if we could execute drills properly. They made us prove we could make the ship go.”

Engineering programs evaluated included heat stress, hearing conservation, and tag out procedures.

“It’s a very significant milestone,” said Aft Main Machine Room LCPO, Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW) Donald Woodard. “Being prior ATG, it was very different being on this side of things. There is a lot more responsibility and work that goes in when you’re the one being looked at.”

He added that he was really proud of the work his Sailors put in to make the evaluation a success.

“These guys have come a long way. When I arrived, the level of knowledge was basic, but they all have made significant improvements,” Woodward said.

According to Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Brandon Lott, no one person deserves credit. Everybody contributed in some form or fashion.

“One team, one fight,” said Lott. “It’s all about camaraderie. We are all we have. If there is an actual casualty, it’s just us down here. We have no choice but to help each other, so it made things easier when it was our time to shine.”

The recognition goes across the board, and each and every crew member played a role.

“I knew what they could do it and I am very proud,” said Titus. “This will be my last EOC. I cannot think of a better way to go out than certifying this ship with a red 'E.'”

The six months of hard work and the underway demonstration proved to ATG inspectors that the engineers can safely operate the engineering plant and conduct routine evolutions.

The multipurpose amphibious assault ship Bataan is participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), an at-sea training evolution designed to prepare the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group for its upcoming regularly scheduled deployment.