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Kearsarge Prepares for AVCERT

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080421-23
Release Date: 4/21/2008 8:16:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jilleanne Buda, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

ABOARD USS KEARSARGE (NNS) -- The crew of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) is demonstrating their ability to conduct successful aircraft operations as they prepare for their aviation certification (AVCERT).

Kearsarge recently completed a high priority deck landing qualification for Marine Corps Harrier jets and helicopters. The Air Department and the Kearsarge crew seized this opportunity to groom systems and refresh aviation training in preparation for AVCERT.

Working under a compressed workup cycle, the Air Department is accustomed to such a challenging schedule, having conducted more than 10,000 flight evolutions and 1,300 carrier controlled approaches (CCA) during the ship's recent six-month deployment.

In the course of the certification process, officials from Naval Air Systems Command will come aboard the ship to take an in-depth look at the flight deck, emergency equipment, fuels systems and communications, along with other gear that supports safe flight deck operations.

"They look at flight deck lighting, damage control equipment, aircraft fire fighting equipment, life saving equipment, JP-5 fuels systems and tanks, tactical air navigation certification, aircraft intermediate maintenance facilities, even search and rescue," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling (AW/SW) Steven Bosley, leading chief petty officer of Air Department. "When we started, we knew we had a lot of work to do. The combined efforts of several departments set the wheels in motion for a successful pre-cert."

Preparing for the certification means putting in long hours to ensure everyone and everything in the department are ready for close examination.

"On the fuel side, we have to make sure all of our fuel systems are working correctly, above deck and below," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Fuel (AW/SW) John Laurenti, Aviation Fuel division leading chief petty officer. "Making sure our systems are fully functional gives us a better feeling about the ship on the whole. Everyone in fuels has put 100 percent into this."

The Air Department has already executed two pre-certifications, and will complete the final certification during the week of May 5.

"It really helps prepare us for our upcoming missions," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate, (Fuels), 3rd Class (AW) Latasha Govan. "We work a lot more hours, but it's worth it. When we're doing our job correctly, it improves the readiness of the entire ship."

When the certification is complete, the ship will be aviation certified for 24 months. AVCERT is just one of many certifications Kearsarge must complete in order to remain combat ready.

"By completing the certification Kearsarge will be able to continue providing the use of its largest asset to the fleet when called upon," said Bosley. "This event was no small task and final completion comes off the strong shoulders of many Sailors."

For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/.