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Security Department Mans Ready for Issue Armory

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090620-14
Release Date: 6/20/2009 1:15:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd class Erin Oberholtzer, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va (NNS) -- The security department on board USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) recently reopened its Ready for Issue (RFI) Armory after five years of being closed due to the aircraft carrier's extensive Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) period.

The RFI Armory is available to security watchstanders for anti-terrorism force protection situations. It is able to quickly arm security personnel because it is independent from the main Armory run by Weapons department.

"Having the RFI so close, and the fact that it belongs to Security, grants us full-time access to the weapons," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SW) Jamel Rossi, Alpha section watch commander. "This enables us to up our security posture. By knowing our exact inventory we can efficiently arm the entire section cutting response time."

"The RFI simplifies the process between arming up and watch standing," said Gunner's Mate 1st Class (SW) Douglas Waller, RFI leading petty officer. "Instead of going down to the Armory, they can now just go right to our personal armory and get armed up right away."

The RFI is manned 24-hours a day by watchstanders, who have to complete numerous, personal qualification standards and boards to become certified. The RFI armory has independent hours so that the post's rotation won't conflict with the sentries' watches.

"It really is more efficient this way," said Waller. "We are now more prepared for anything that might happen, we are well on our way to getting underway."

USS Carl Vinson is completing its scheduled RCOH at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through, near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.

During RCOH, Carl Vinson's nuclear fuel has been replenished and the ship's services and infrastructure upgraded, making her the most state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and guaranteeing another 25 years or more of service.

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