• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Peleliu Qualifies Weapons Handlers by the Hundreds

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090821-19
Release Date: 8/21/2009 3:19:00 PM

By Mass Communication Seaman Apprentice Ian Campbell, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Peleliu (LHA 5) recently prepared for future operations by qualifying more than 1,550 Sailors in various weapons December 2008-July 2009 in San Diego.

Despite the crew's strenuous six-month work schedule in the shipyard, Sailors still managed to find time outside of their regular duties to qualify with 9mm handguns, 12-gauge shotguns, M-16 rifles and .50-caliber machine guns.

Peleliu partnered with the San Diego Police to allow Sailors to use the police department's firing range as an additional qualification range, along with the range at Camp Pendleton and the Navy's gun ranges.

"Firing weapons and practicing to become a better shooter is enjoyable to many people, so it is definitely a morale booster," said Gunner's Mate 1st Class (SW) Darsay Barnwell.

Peleliu also benefits directly from the crew's ability to be prepared at all times to combat potential threats to the ship. Mission readiness is essential to success, and weapons qualifications ensure that all Sailors aboard know how to operate their weaponry while standing watches.

"It is always exciting to be out on the range and to see everyone having fun honing their skills, but above all else, safety must be stressed. It is a part of my job as a gunner's mate to ensure safety while on the range," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Justin M. Beals.

All participating Sailors were required to understand range and weapon safety and complete deadly force training prior to heading to the range.

"I believe it to be completely successful as a whole; all Sailors on board should be weapons qualified. It ensures that Sailors are up to par with handling, firing and maintaining their weapon, which plays a large part in mission readiness," Barnwell said.

For more news from USS Peleliu (LHA 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lha5/.