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Damage Controlmen Ensure Ike is Battle Ready for JTFEX

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070731-27
Release Date: 7/31/2007 3:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Holly Whitfill, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- The Damage Controlmen aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) are doing their part in the ongoing Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 07-2, “Operation Bold Step” by making sure Ike is always in complete battle readiness.

“Along with doing our daily tasks, we are responsible for conducting drills that are required during JTFEX,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Dustin Davis.

While underway, damage dontrolmen are responsible for preparing the ship for General Quarters (GQ) drills.

“Some things we do to prepare for GQ is making sure our repair lockers are fully stocked and ready,” said Davis. “We make sure water is provided for each damage control locker, charge the Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) and CO2 bottles and make sure we have enough equipment for fighting fire drills.”

Damage controlmen aboard Ike are also required to respond rapidly to Reactor Department drills and fire drills.

“Being able to respond to fires in the propulsion plants is a necessity in keeping the ship safe. We also do Deep Rescue Drills, which is a medical emergency,” said Davis.

Davis said maintaining proper equipment and gear is a big process in itself.

“We have to maintain many fire systems such as HALON, CO2, Fixed Flooding System, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Aqueous Potassium Carbonate (APC) stations,” said Davis.

“It is important for everybody to know how to fight fires,” said Davis. “Although we are considered the primary fire fighters on the ship, anyone could be needed and could be put in control. It is everyone’s responsibility to help keep Ike battle ready.”

Ike is currently underway conducting JTFEX with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). JTFEX 07-2 is scheduled to last until July 31 off the coast of North Carolina and Florida.