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Essex Sailors Take Aim

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080430-14
Release Date: 4/30/2008 1:11:00 PM

By Mass Communciation Specialist 2nd Class David Didier, USS Essex Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors from the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) took the opportunity to enhance their qualifications in small arms training, April 28.

The Sailors utilized the mobile shooting range at Command Fleet Activities Okinawa, during the ships on load of Marines prior to departure for the second half of their spring patrol.

Utilizing the facilities in Okinawa gave Sailors the opportunity to train in a more controlled environment as opposed to weapons shoots conducted on the flight deck of a rocking ship.

"The benefit of shooting here is that it provides an easier training environment for Sailors," said Chief Gunner's Mate (SW/AW) Erik Griggs. "We don't have to worry about small craft being in the firing zones and it allows for a safer training environment for the Sailors."

The range is not what most would consider a traditional firing range. From the outside it looks like a normal 45-foot trailer, but inside is an air conditioned, sound proof, computer-operated, three-lane firing range. The trailer's design and location allow the Sailors to qualify as armed watch standers during the brief time they are in Okinawa.

"Shooting on the ship is really rocky and you are trying to keep the weapon safe and keep it steady, but when you're in the range you're stationary and you're able to focus more, you can see clearly and you don't have the distractions that you would have if you were outside on the flight deck of the ship," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Michael Flournoy.

The increased effectiveness of using the on-site range allows the range coach to have a more one-on-one approach with the shooters.

"I thought I felt good at first with my shooting style," said Flournoy. "But then when I got in there the range coach had me try firing from my left hand instead of my right and I found out that I shot better because I am left eye dominant."

The mobile trailers have been around for a number of years; however, Essex has only started using them this past year to train Sailors and qualify them as armed watch standers.

"Using the mobile range helps us maintain gun qualifications for our ship's security force and watch standers without having to wait till we get back to Sasebo," added Griggs. "This is also less challenging than using the flight deck to get these guys re-qualified on the weapons. Maintaining these Sailors' gun qualifications is essential for protecting the ship and the personnel on board."

For more news from USS Essex, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd2/.