Kearsarge Completes CMAV, Prepares for Certification Cycle at Sea
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080408-02
Release Date: 4/8/2008 11:27:00 AM
From USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) began its certification cycle April 1, after a post-deployment, month-long continuous maintenance availability, or CMAV.
After returning from a regularly scheduled deployment Feb. 1, Kearsarge immediately began to work on equipment upgrades and repairs in preparation for the certification cycle.
"We were able to complete a good portion of our system calibrations during CMAV," said Cmdr. David Conner, Kearsarge maintenance officer. "We found 96 percent of the items we looked at were within tolerance. We do this to ensure all of the equipment on board is operating within the correct parameters, and we were very successful."
The preparation actually began March 3, with a three-hour fast cruise followed by an underway period March 5 and 6.
"The goal is to flex the muscles of the ship and get ready for sea," said Kearsarge Training Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Lapointe. "Kearsarge has a great crew and a tough schedule, but we're up to the challenge."
During the fast cruise, the Kearsarge crew simulated being underway, but remained moored to the pier.
"These training scenarios are essential to Kearsarge readiness," said Capt. Peter Pagano, Kearsarge executive officer. "While in port or at sea, our Sailors train to prepare for any contingency."
The exercises included general quarters, man-overboard, and abandon ship drills.
"We try to train as much as we can so we will always be ready," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (AW/SW) Cornelius O. Pickens, while training a fellow Sailor to properly don a fire suit during a crash and salvage drill.
The drills are useful in testing the skills of seasoned Sailors and new Sailors alike.
"It is great to see the first class petty officers engaged in training the junior Sailors," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AW/SW) Thomas C. Mickle, leading chief petty officer of V-1 Air division aboard Kearsarge. "The new troops learn important life-saving skills from their supervisors."
After a successful fast cruise, the ship got underway for a short period to conduct further tests and drills.
The crew performed checks and demonstrations that will be necessary for various upcoming inspections, including a power run, high speed rudder swing, boiler flex and anchor drop tests.
"Overall we did about 2000 material checks," said Chief Engineer, Cmdr. Paul Evans. "This was an honest assessment to make sure everything works, so we know what we may need to fix."
They also tested the aqueous film forming foam and the countermeasure wash down systems.
"Everyone has been working really hard since we lit off," said Evans. "I am confident that the ship will be ready for INSURV,(Inspection and Survey), but the real goal is to ensure that the ship is ready, period, for anything that might come up."
During this CMAV, a total of 160 jobs are scheduled for completion, and some have already been completed. The ship's upper-vehicle stowage was re-surfaced with non-skid, the plastic waste processors were replaced, as were the mooring capstan brakes. The ship also received repairs and replacements to weapons systems, antenna and multiple other systems and components.
"Repairs to the combat and communication suites are equally important so we retain continual readiness for tactical proficiency as well as emergent contingency flagship duties," said Cmdr. Ansel L. Hills, Kearsarge Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Combat Systems and information officer.
The jobs completed during this CMAV are crucial in passing the Aviation Certification (AVCERT), Amphibious Warfare Certification (AMW), Unit Level Training Assessment-Engineering (ULTRA-E) and Certification (ULTRA-C), as well as INSURV in the coming months leading up to the ship's scheduled summer deployment.
Kearsarge is currently assigned to Commander, 2nd Fleet as the flagship.
For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/.
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