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Enterprise Readies for Aircraft

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091015-31
Release Date: 10/15/2009 9:29:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devonté Jones, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is scheduled to take on jet propulsion fuel number five (JP-5) for the first time in almost two years in October 2009.

JP-5 is the fuel used to power aircraft in Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 aboard Enterprise and the Enterprise's emergency diesel generators.

During the fuel onload, Enterprise's Air Department's V-4 Division will handle 680,000 gallons of JP-5 from a support barge. The barge will pull alongside the ship, attach a hose to the ship's main fuel system and pump the fuel to the ship over a three-day period.

The task will involve many departments, including Engineering Department's Damage Control Division, whose Sailors will stand by for any potential fires or shipboard damage.

The event will be a significant step in the ship's journey to become operational again.

"This is a must for V-4," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class (AW/SW) Melchor R. Coleman, the V-4 Division below decks leading petty officer. "It allows us to test our equipment and the entire transfer system."

The fuel onload is part of an even larger test for the ship.

"We are bringing on fuel in preparation for fuel certifications," said Coleman. "With Engineering [Department] working around the clock keeping steam available, it's a countdown for us to get our systems online. We need to be ready for deployment and sea trials, and the ship's ability to hold and deliver fuel is a part of that."

During the course of the onload, fuel will be delivered at 300-600 gallons per minute and V-4 Division will be using a human machine interface to monitor the fuel systems, along with watch stations being posted at every critical location.

"We need JP-5 to complete the ship's primary mission, which is to launch aircraft," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) (AW/SW) Patrick D. Perkins, V-4 Division below decks leading chief petty officer.

Enterprise is currently undergoing a maintenance period in the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard and training to maintain proficiency in preparation to return to the fleet.

For more information about Enterprise, Carrier Strike Group 12 or CVW 1, visit www.Enterprise.navy.mil, www.ccsg12.surfor.navy.mil, and www.cvw1.navy.mil.