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Tortuga Trains for ULTRA E

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070815-08
Release Date: 8/15/2007 3:40:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jamie Hawkins, American Forces Network Detachment, Sasebo

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The crew of the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) conducted a main space fire drill on Aug. 8 in preparation for a Unit Level Training Assessment, Engineering (ULTRA E).

Approximately every two years, ships undergo a ULTRA E. The purpose is to validate the ship’s ability to self-assess, train, and to certify the ship’s ability to perform required missions to a set standard.

“Currently we are in drill mode on Tortuga,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Etzel Austin, on-scene leader. “We get up at 5 a.m. and run general quarters drills for two hours in preparation for ULTRA E. For me this is just a bunch of fun because this is my job, this is what I like to do everyday.”

During the exercise the crew split into different teams including firefighting, damage control, and overhaul to combat the fire and de-smoked compartments and dewatered flooded areas.

“This is all good training,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Jess Sapalicio, overhaul man. “Knowledge of the hose, acclimating to the heat downstairs, and working together as a team, all are important in a real-world event.”

The drill not only served as training for ULTRA E, but it also allowed new Sailors of Tortuga the opportunity to gain experience.

“Today’s drill was a little slower than normal because we are training new people who have never really participated in these drills,” said Sapalicio. “Everything went smoothly and I believe the new crew members learned a lot.”

The main space fire was just one event in a weeklong training evolution. Austin and Sapalicio said they are confident in the performance of their teams.

“This is our fifth or sixth drill just this week, not including fire parties and other drills of different sorts we have been doing,” said Austin. “I can’t speak for the rest of the teams, but I can say repair crew three did an excellent and professional job. They did exactly what they were supposed to do and no one was hurt in the process.”

“Today’s mission was to get the job done quickly and safely the first time. Today’s mission is a mission accomplished,” said Sapalicio. “Repair Team 3 went in first, then my crew, Repair [Team] 2, went and relieved them. Everything went smoothly and safely.”