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'Gold Eagle' Firefighting Capabilities Recalibrated, Warfighting Readiness Increased

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090501-05
Release Date: 5/1/2009 5:58:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Philip Schrickel, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- In recent months, two damage controlmen have checked and recalibrated USS Carl Vinson's (CVN 70) Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) pressure gauges and are nearing completion, increasing the ship's warfighting readiness every day.

Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Ezekiel Pasha and Damage Controlman Fireman Kiona Foster of engineering department's DC division have taken on the huge responsibility to ensure that the firefighting capabilities of the aircraft carrier and the safety equipment of her Sailors is up and running.

"With gauge calibration, you don't get a second chance," said Pasha. "It has to be done right the first time. People's lives are at stake."

Under Pasha's leadership and instruction, Foster has been able to almost complete the entire recalibration process single-handedly.

Subsequently, more than 50 AFFF gauges and 24 SCBA gauges have been checked and recalibrated since December.

"Fireman Foster is motivated and driven to succeed," said Pasha "She has taken on the responsibility of a second class petty officer and is handling it well."

The checking and recalibration of the AFFF and SCBA stations is not only crucial to crew certification and eventually getting underway, it is essential for the survival of each and every Sailor aboard Gold Eagle.

"All of our hard work and dedication will benefit each and every one of my shipmates," said Foster "It's an honor to know that we have made such a difference."

The AFFF and SCBA gauges are used to monitor the pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) of each station throughout the ship, and without proper calibration, SCBA bottles cannot be filled properly, and the AFFF stations cannot be utilized to their full capacity.

"To me, I'm just doing my part to keep my shipmates safe," said Foster.

For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.