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USS McCampbell Earns Ordnance Handling Certification

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090604-09
Release Date: 6/4/2009 4:03:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

USS MCCAMPBELL, At Sea (NNS) -- The combat gunnery (CG) division of the weapons department aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) successfully earned the Ordnance Handling Safety Assessment (OHSA) certification during a series of inspections May 26-28 while the ship was underway on a scheduled deployment.

A training team from Afloat Training Group San Diego embarked McCampbell to assess numerous ordnance processes and procedures. The biannual inspection examines explosive safety postures, small arms, magazine stowage and administrative tasks to ensure smooth ordnance operations.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (SW/AW) Clifton Stewart, a Chicago native and OHSA team assessor, noted the McCampbell Sailors' extra efforts to achieve the certification.

"Normally this inspection is done in five days when the ship's pierside," said Stewart. "The ship had to get this done while underway, and we all put in some long hours to get everything done."

Lt. William McCammon, OSHA team leader, cited strong support from the ship for the inspection's successful execution.

"This was a great weapons department to work with - and a great division. The only way the job can get done is when the lines of communication are open, and this practice is what we teach," McCammon said.

With OSHA certification attained, McCampbell's CG division's next goal is to successfully complete the condition ordnance safety review (COSR) inspection. Chief Gunner's Mate (SW) Steven Luken, McCampbell's ammunition administrator, said the work put forth during OSHA will pay off for the COSR.

"We have a good program, and we have time now to fine-tune everything," Luken said. "There was a lot of hard work from the inspectors and the crew, and this was a great experience. We have a game plan in place, and COSR will go well."

McCampbell, commanded by Cmdr. Charles Johnson, is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

For more news from Commander, Naval Forces Japan, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnfj/.