PCU Bush Preps for Underway Replenishment
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080912-08
Release Date: 9/12/2008 5:17:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joel S. Kolodziejczak, Pre-Commissioning Unit George H.W. Bush Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors from Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) trained to load and unload cargo during a three-day course at the Center for Service Combat Systems Detachment East Underway Replenishment (UNREP)Training Facility on Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Aug. 27.
During an UNREP, one ship transports supplies to another ship while at sea, using a series of cables carefully strung between the two.
"UNREP is how we will get our food and fuel while at sea," PCU Bush Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Alton C. Smith said.
Bush sent 30 Sailors from the deck department to hone their skills using practice machinery and to build teamwork.
The Sailors divided into two teams and took turns receiving supplies and sending them.
There are two UNREP stations at the facility, one to train for cargo transfers and the other for fuel.
Smith said he wished this trainer was available when he first came into the Navy two decades ago. He said the replenishment process can be done day or night or during weather conditions that can make the job very tough, so this kind of training is a must for new Sailors.
"At this facility we can take Sailors into a controlled training environment, so if something goes wrong we can stop everything to correct it," Smith said. "It is a lot safer than just putting a new Sailor onto a ship and expecting them to know what to do during an actual
UNREP."
According to one of the instructors, Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Michael R. Jukes, the facility conducts seven three-week classes each year and allows ships to send crews to train on the equipment between classes.
"When I came into the Navy, I was thrown right onto a ship and had to learn the hard way. It wasn't until years later that I heard about this facility and what it was doing to train new Sailors," Jukes said.
PCU BUSH Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Michael Ruffin used the class to share his UNREP experience with his Sailors.
"It takes practice to get everybody working as a team, but once each Sailor knows his or her role, it becomes like a choreographed dance," Ruffin said.
"I like having fun while I work, but I realize this is a dangerous job so I pay close attention to what I have to do and what is going on around me," PCU Bush Seaman Chanel M. Hutchison said.
"I don't know what it's like doing this (UNREP) on a ship at sea but I'm glad I'm getting a chance to try it here first."
The aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush is under construction at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard.
For more news from Pre-Commissioning Unit George H.W. Bush, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.
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