• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Shiloh Trains in CBR Defense

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080131-06
Release Date: 1/31/2008 9:36:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det., Japan

USS SHILOH, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) utilized some at sea time Jan. 29, to focus on some mission essential training.

The damage control knowledge of the crew was put to the test as they honed their skills and know-how in chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) defense training.

According to Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Ted Leavitt, Shiloh's fire marshal and CBR specialist, the training conducted was not only to re-familiarize old crew members with CBR defense, but to introduce the concept to new members of the Shiloh team.

"Since our last training cycle we've replaced about 10 percent of our crew," said Leavitt. "We need to get them up to speed, because some of the new guys replaced those who have been in repair lockers."

Sailors were trained on the basics of CBR defense, to include various personal protective equipment and tools used to detect chemical agents. In addition to personal defense, they also learned about the ship's countermeasure wash down system.

"The ship's fire main system is piped to nozzles through out the ship, that when activated, covers the ship in a watery mist that will reduce chemical contamination up to 85 percent," said Leavitt.

In addition to learning about decontaminating the ship, Shiloh Sailors also learned how to protect themselves by properly using and running decontamination stations.

"Some personnel have to go outside the skin of the ship in order to determine if the ship has been exposed to any chemical agents," said Leavitt. "Even though they may not have been exposed, personnel still have to go through a decontamination station. Outer clothing is removed and personnel are further decontaminated prior to re-entering the ship. Our desire is to contain anything that may be dirty and has been exposed to the outside, and make sure it doesn't get inside the ship and eventually harm or contaminate other personnel."

According to Leavitt, the ship trains on CBR defense every 90 days, ensuring the crew stays current on qualifications.

"Sailors are instructed in a classroom and drills are conducted, which are evaluated by our damage control training team," he said.

Although a certain percentage of the crew receives CBR training, Leavitt says damage control is an all-hands evolution.

"Damage control is everyone's responsibility, and anyone who has been on a ship knows that," said Leavitt. "It can occur at any time and place, in our own homeport or in a foreign country. Although we prepare for CBR, we do a lot more training on damage control and fire fighting."

According to Leavitt, three Sailors aboard Shiloh have attended Advanced CBR school, and he credits them with ensuring the entire crew is properly trained and ready to respond.

"I have a great bunch of guys," said Leavitt. "They work hard, ensuring the crew stays up on its training."

Shiloh is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is currently underway on a scheduled deployment.

For more news from Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, visit www.navy.mil/local/cfay/.