Higgins Excels During Sustainment Exercise
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080104-07
Release Date: 1/4/2008 11:14:00 AM
By Ensign Naudia Nauss, USS Higgins Public Affairs
ABOARD USS HIGGINS (NNS) -- USS Higgins (DDG 76) completed a sustainment exercise (SUSTEX) with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Dec. 13, conducting a myriad of exercises to demonstrate sustained proficiency in warfare competencies.
The primary objective of the SUSTEX was to maintain the major combat operation status of Nimitz CSG ships; including USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Princeton (CG 59), USS Chafee (DDG 90), and Higgins; and to renew certifications that would have expired in July 2008.
"As the country prepared for the holidays, we prepared for the next deployment," said Higgins' Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Winton Smith. "The packed two-week period was a huge success because of a total commitment to excellence. I'm very proud of the team."
During the 10-day SUSTEX, Higgins achieved certification in all major warfare areas ahead of schedule, overcoming challenging weather as a winter storm moved through the waters surrounding San Diego. Critical to the success of the guided missile destroyer's crew was conducting firefighting and casualty control proficiency drills.
"Firefighting and casualty control are two essential self-sufficiency skills that the crew must constantly refine to stay at a high level of readiness," said Lt. j.g. Desire'e Ropel. "During the past two weeks, repair division has led the way in preparing the crew for the upcoming deployment and future ... recertification."
Higgins, which is homeported in San Diego, is currently training for exercises schedule for the new year that will further prepare them for deployment with the Nimitz CSG in 2008.
For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.
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