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Kearsarge Force Protection Team Secures Flawless Certification

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080429-18
Release Date: 4/29/2008 4:02:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William S. Parker, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) passed a three day Force Protection Initial Assessment (FPIA) with a perfect score, April 17-19.

The FPIA was an assessment of the ships ability to defend itself against terrorist attacks, conducted by Afloat Training Group, Atlantic.

The Force Protection Training Team (FPTT) increased the training of the Ship Self Defense Force and crew served weapons watchstanders two months ago to prepare for the assessment. They ran drills five days a week for two hours per day.

FPTT conducted 15 different drill package scenarios for three 25-man watch teams over the duration of the FPIA.

The drill packages were based on threats that are most likely to occur on a ship while inport and at sea, according to Master-At-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Terrell Baker, security leading petty officer.

"SSDF and crew serve weapons watch standers were given training on what to do in real life scenarios," said Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SW) Charles Crain, who has trained more than 300 Kearsarge Sailors on force protection. "We train using step-by-step instructions on how to perform and react to any scenario that could be thrown at them."

The drill packages were designed to challenge the ship's crew members.

"The key to passing these drills was keeping the watchstanders alert, vigilant and in constant communication," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Dainyon Greene, one of the SSDF watchstanders. "We know what to do because we've been trained."

Crain explained force protection is also about trust. The Sailors train together and developed into a team where everyone trusts his or her shipmate.

"You've got to trust your shipmates to stand proper watches by monitoring the radio and identifying things out of the ordinary. All of these things equal success not only for us, but all hands," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class (AW) David Slone, another SSDF watchstander. "I personally trust my shipmates because I trained with them, and know that in any situation they will react and perform their duties safely and effectively."

Kearsarge passed the assessment with a score of outstanding, which is the highest score that could be accomplished, and the highest score Kearsarge has ever received, according to Capt. James Gregorski, commanding officer of Kearsarge.

"Kearsarge watchstanders had excellent pre-planned responses and executed the drills absolutely outstanding. We definitely hit another home run securing this certification," said Gregorski.

"We came a long way since starting," said Baker. "It was a long road. There was a lot of planning and role playing not only by the SSDF watch standers, but from the support of the crew as well. The watch teams really came together."

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