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USS Ramage Conducts Towing Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080511-02
Release Date: 5/11/2008 2:13:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) conducted a towing exercise with the tug C-Tractor 13 during Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Integration training (ESGINT), May 9.

The two vessels conducted the operation to increase proficiency in towing.

"Every two years the Sailors break out all the gear and see if they are still efficient in ship handling, maneuvering for the tow, and knowing the signals," said Chief Boatswain's Mate(SW) Michael Sweitzer, leading chief petty officer for Ramage's deck department.

The exercise gave Ramage the opportunity to learn about the close quarters maneuvering challenges involved in towing.

"Some challenges that have been faced include the tow line getting caught in the screws and it is always a challenge to haul the line back aboard," said Boatswains Mate 1st Class(SW) Stephen Graham, Ramage's deck department leading petty officer.

Universal communication methods were used to complete the evolution. Ramage used signal paddles as the primary method of communication and the wireless internal communications system as an alternative method.

"This makes us capable when we receive distress signals," said Sweitzer. "Everyone on board will know how to tow properly, and we know that we have the equipment ready."

During the exercise, Ramage sent lines, increasing in strength, to C-Tractor 13 until the line was able to sustain the strain of the tugboat. The line was then attached to the anchor chain of the tug being towed and used to pull it through the water.

"In the event we have to tow somebody, we will know how to do it right and do it successfully," said Seaman Gilbert Perez, a line handler for the event.

ESGINT is the first opportunity for the entire Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to work in conjunction with the Marine assets of the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU). It is the initial test of many months of unit-level training and preparation, and places the Navy-Marine Corps team in simulated scenarios to test its planning and execution processes.

For more news from the Iwo Jima ESG, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.