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BHR Conducts CBR Drill

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080811-06
Release Date: 8/11/2008 11:42:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webb, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The damage control assistant (DCA) aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) held a chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) general quarters (GQ) drill Aug. 4.

BHR's Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) conducts CBR drills semi-annually to test the crew's ability to defend the ship in the event of a real-life CBR attack.
DCTT spent several hours preparing for this drill to ensure everything was in place during GQ.

"DCTT had to make sure each repair locker had training aids available for CBR training," said Senior Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Jeffrey Foresman. "We also had to ensure each decontamination station had appropriate equipment from storage to combat a chemical attack, and we issued gas masks to personnel."

During a typical GQ, BHR Sailors are required to ensure that 'Condition Zebra' is set (this condition requires that a particular type of hatch or ventilated area, referred to as Zebra fittings, is secured). This state of readiness ensures the ship is battle-ready and able to sustain any structural damage from a fire or flood. The drill ensured that Circle William fittings were also secured.

"Circle William fittings are closed to prevent CBR agents from getting into and through the ship," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Boycourt, BHR's DCA. "On board BHR we aim to secure all Zebra fittings within eight minutes and all Circle William fittings within five minutes."

BHR's DCTT also tested the ship's countermeasure washdown system to ensure protection of the flight deck and superstructure.

"Countermeasure washdown was a success," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Hugh Simmons. "There were a few spots that repair division noticed needed minor adjustments to ensure that all the nozzles work properly, but we were able to conclude that the ship's superstructure would be protected in the event of an actual attack."

Each of BHR's eight repair lockers also held CBR training which included proper and timely donning of a gas mask and how to respond to personnel who have been exposed to a chemical or biological agent.

"The majority of Sailors in the repair lockers are not involved in looking for contamination, so we held the refresher training to get everyone involved in this GQ," said Boycourt.

For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.