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Dynamic Remains Active, Unloads LCU

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061117-04
Release Date: 11/17/2006 9:23:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad A. Hallford, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- After almost 63 years of existence, the small, auxiliary floating dry dock Dynamic (AFDL 6) successfully undocked Utility Landing Craft (LCU) 1643 on Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek as Dynamic returned to sea Oct. 31.

Dynamic, in service since March 1944, relocated several times before settling at Little Creek in August 1963.

“The Dynamic provides an invaluable service to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 as it gives us the ability to remove a craft from the water and complete a number of maintenance actions even if a well deck is available,” said Cmdr. Michael F. Ott, commanding officer of ACU 2.

ACU 2 owns and operates LCU 1643 as part of its complement of LCUs and mechanized landing crafts (LCM) involved in completing their duty.

“LCU 1643 is currently tasked with multiple missions,” said Ott. “Maintaining her operational readiness precludes us from having to task another craft that is currently in a pre-overseas movement period.”

Dynamic offers a platform that is convenient, flexible and available for ACU 2 to maintain such readiness of their craft since many sustain damage.

“Dock utilization raised from 38 percent to over 90 percent since the new commanding officer arrived,” said Dynamic’s Executive Officer, Senior Chief Hull Technician (SW/AW) Douglas M. Fisher.

This was again apparent as LCU 1663 from ACU 2 docked successfully Nov. 2 for repairs.

“The commanding officer of Dynamic, Lt. Cmdr. Dennis Moore, has routinely driven his team to provide us services at odd hours, on weekends, for emergent work,” said Ott, “which would cost tens of thousands of dollars in a civilian shipyard.”

Dynamic’s team accomplishments depend on overall knowledge, including ballast control, line handling and navigation, which are important factors in a successful dock or release.

“All of our Sailors are cross-trained,” said Fisher, commenting on their Sailors' need to acquire additional skills outside their source rating to complete Dynamic’s mission.

"[Dynamic’s crew of 23 Sailors] receive more career development and education than most (Sailors) would while at a shore command,” said Fisher. "It is a unique and rare opportunity for Sailors, because there is no place like it left in the Navy."