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John Paul Jones Completes ULTRA-S

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080409-18
Release Date: 4/9/2008 5:47:00 PM

By Ensign Sara Knitt, USS John Paul Jones Public Affairs

EAST CHINA SEA (NNS) -- USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) completed their Unit Level Training Assessment – Sustainment (ULTRA-S) March 26, proving their ability to carry out all operations at the highest levels of proficiency.

ULTRA-S is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of training teams, watch standers, and to validate a ship's ability to conduct operations when called upon to perform.

"Our persistent efforts set us up for success. The team operates well together and I'm proud of our performance and accomplishments," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Daniel Nydegger, a member of the strike team who helped John Paul Jones achieve a score of 95 percent in the Cruise Missile Tactical Qualification (CMTQ) scenario.

The inspection team consisted of 24 assessors from Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 and Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific who were responsible for performing the four-day semi-annual certification.

Capt. Adam Levitt, Commander, DESRON 23 told the ship's crew that everyone did well and congratulated the strike team, navigation team, crash and salvage team, flight deck crew and 3M team for a job well done.

Drills ranged from basic medical casualties to a CMTQ scenario, a detect-to-engage sequence, and a helicopter flight deck crash drill.

TSSE, the final exercise of the ULTRA-S, was a major evolution that tested the entire ship's response to a quickly escalating tactical scenario and defend the ship from multiple, simultaneous threats. In this exercise, the ship suffered several simulated missile and torpedo hits and worked together to fight fires, repair extensive flooding damage, restore propulsion and electrical power while handling medical casualties.

Cmdr. Christopher Barnes, John Paul Jones' commanding officer, was impressed with the crew's efforts, "I was extremely proud of the way everybody operated. My Sailors showed exactly how capable they are. They really are the best of the best."

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.