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Bonhomme Richard Completes Ammo Onload Highlights Training, Teamwork

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090309-02
Release Date: 3/9/2009 3:08:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Drew Williams, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) took on more than 1,000 pallets of ordnance while underway March 2-5, in preparation for a Western Pacific deployment later this year.

The ordnance onload was a major logistical process, necessary for the ship to be fully operational in its war fighting capabilities, while also providing essential training to the Sailors aboard.

"The ordnance onload is a critical part of our job," explained Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) Donovan Clark. "This evolution is a great training opportunity for the newer AOs [aviation ordnancemen] aboard to learn firsthand about their job and to re-familiarize the senior AOs with ordnance they may not have worked with in awhile."

The ammunition onload required the collaboration of all hands aboard Bonhomme Richard. All departments worked as one team to ensure that the 1,000-plus pallets of munitions were safely transported from shore, to the flight deck and into their proper storage spaces on board.

"Now our work really begins," continued Clark. "From here, we maintain watches 24 hours a day to ensure that the ordnance is properly secured in its storage spaces and remains at a proper temperature. I know my Sailors will continue to perform with professionalism and excellence, as I have seen them do all this week."

Sailors got a chance to train during flight operations, while building camaraderie with air, weapons and combat cargo departments.

"I saw a real standard of professionalism on the flight deck, and everyone from air, weapons and combat cargo was having fun working together out there," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Pedro Campa, of Mira Loma, Calif. "We all had a chance to work on our qualifications too, which makes us all more proficient at our jobs."

A couple of Sailors from combat cargo experienced flight operations for the first time this underway, receiving valuable training as a result.

"There were a lot of things going on at one time, but I like being up on the flight deck because I felt I was really helping the mission of the ship," said Airman Nathan Wright, a native of Tyler, Texas. "That was my first time on the flight deck, and I felt more and more comfortable out there as I continued throughout the week. Our team leaders made sure we were safe, we all worked well together and we got everything done."

"We were broken into two teams with experienced Sailors mixed in with us newer Sailors," explained Seaman Nicki Robinson, of Wichita, Kan. "The team leaders helped explain everything, showed us the ropes and then let us do our thing. Coming from deck department, I have a greater appreciation for the air department, and after being out here for only a week, I feel like I have been doing this for a while."

With the munitions on board, Bonhomme Richard continues to conduct training evolutions in preparation for an upcoming unit level training assessment (ULTRA).

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