Military

Nassau Strike Group Conducts Underway Replenishments During TCAT

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070906-04
Release Date: 9/6/2007 12:00:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Steinhour, Expeditionary Strike Group 8 Public Affairs

USS NASSAU, At Sea (NNS) -- Nassau Strike Group flagship ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) successfully conducted an underway replenishment (UNREP) at sea Aug. 30 with USNS Laramie (T-AO 203), bringing on fuel used for ship movement and flight operations.

Members of the strike group are currently completing its Tactical Commander’s Amphibious Training period (TCAT), which certifies the strike group for deployment. As the strike group deploys in 2008, UNREP periods will allow strike group ships to take on the fuel, munitions and stores needed while underway, giving them both extended range and striking capability.

“We have to make sure that we pull into port with sufficient fuel for both the strike group’s aircraft and the ship so that if we are called away, we are ready to answer that call,” said Nassau’s Mini Air Boss, Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Vaughan.

Like all Navy evolutions, safety of the crew is always the first concern. As such, the medical staff of Nassau was on hand paying close attention to ensure the safety of those directly involved and the rest of ship’s crew.

“We have to be prepared for any type of head or neck injury,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jonathan Jones. “It is important for us to be ready.”

The UNREP is also a training exercise in itself. With deck, engineering and air departments all working together, it is important for each to work together and hone the skills needed to get their jobs done successfully.

“It is really important to keep doing these [evolutions], because skills can wear down over time,” said Vaughan. “You have to keep them sharp, especially with deck department, engineering department, and even air department as we get ready for these underway replenishments.”

The Nassau Strike Group is currently preparing for its regularly scheduled 2008 deployment. Made up of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines, the strike group projects Sea Power ashore by maintaining the capability of landing amphibious forces by helicopters, amphibious track vehicles, air cushion landing craft, and assault craft whenever and wherever the need arises.