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TR Completes Successful TSTA FEP Process

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080408-16
Release Date: 4/8/2008 2:25:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy Freehling, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailors successfully completed the three-week Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) process, April 6.

This evaluation is one of the major steps toward Theodore Roosevelt becoming certified for an upcoming deployment.

TSTA/FEP examines the ship's crew and assesses the damage control training team's (DCTT) knowledge and performance relating to damage control and life-saving techniques.

"The TSTA/FEP process is important because we get assessed on our ability to train ourselves," said Capt. Greg Fenton, Theodore Roosevelt 's executive officer. "This is important because once on deployment, we are on our own and we need to be prepared for everything."

The training emphasis reflected the ship's scheduling process. General quarters (GQ) drills, at-sea fire party scenarios and stretcher-bearing training offered Sailors the opportunity to improve their skills and learn new techniques that would help during the evaluation process.

"We wanted our Sailors to be familiar with the different scenarios the afloat training group (ATG) would be looking at, which was why the ship's schedule was so heavy on GQ and fire drills," said Lt. Cmdr. Kris Neuhalfen, Theodore Roosevelt's training officer. "Looking back now, we realize that the training that we did, set us up for success in getting an outstanding score in TSTA/FEP."

Although some departments played a larger role in the evaluation process, each Sailor's skill and knowledge contributed to the success of this underway. This skill was evident when Sailors were tested on their first-aid knowledge.

"The medical staff and ship's crew was judged on response time and knowledge of various casualties that can occur at sea," explained Lt. Cmdr. David Thomas, Theodore Roosevelt's medical training team leader.

The medical response team successfully completed three hangar deck mass casualty dills, two flight deck mass casualty drills and responded to individual repair lockers during GQ. In addition, Sailors in each repair locker had to demonstrate wound assessment, dressing techniques and patient transport.

"The teamwork on the medical portion was phenomenal, everyone was very focused during the training and the result shows in our final score," said Thomas.

The focus on teamwork also went a long way toward the successful completion of the damage control portion of TSTA/FEP. The at-sea fire party was evaluated on a variety of events including fuel fires, toxic gas leaks, and rescue-and-assistance firefighting. The fire party members were judged on their response time, equipment knowledge and proper technique.

"The drills that the fire party performed really helped them come together as a team and successfully complete their tasks," said Lt. Cmdr. Jon Adams, Theodore Roosevelt's damage control assistant. "Each fire party member started paying attention to not only what they were doing but made sure their shipmates were doing the proper thing too."

Every repair locker was also evaluated securing spaces on the ship, pipe patching and damage control knowledge. Adams said that the ATG members were very impressed with the knowledge that was displayed by everyone in the repair lockers. The DCTT's hands-on approach was viewed as one of the key ingredients to the repair locker's success.

Theodore Roosevelt did so well that over 90 percent of the evaluation was completed in the first two weeks, which is considered by many as a remarkable achievement.

"There are two secrets to our success – the motivation and dedication of our Sailors along with the expertise and teaching skills of our senior Sailors," said Fenton. "As a ship we have come a long way since we left the shipyards and I am confident we will continue to improve and excel."

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.