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USS George H.W. Bush Takes on Flight Deck Certification

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100203-28
Release Date: 2/3/2010 9:45:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman J. Scott St. Clair, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs

USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed Naval Station Norfolk Feb. 2 with embarked elements from Carrier Air Wing 8 to complete its flight deck certification.

The flight deck certification tests the ability of the aircraft carrier's personnel and equipment to consistently perform flight operations.

The capability of George H.W. Bush's crew and equipment is tested by frequent drills that are designed to ensure quick responses to emergencies such as electrical failures and fires. The ship's Air Department has the most visible role in the drills.

All five divisions of the Air Department are critical to the flight deck certification, said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) (AW/SW) Hubert L. Chambers, the V2 maintenance chief petty officer. He explained that everyone has to give 100 percent, and every division has to do their part.

"All evolutions must be complete before we can launch and recover aircraft. The more drills we do, the more proficient we become," said Chambers.

Although all drills emphasize safety, many of them can seem harrowing in nature. One such drill is the cross deck pendant drill performed by V2 Sailors.

"Once an arresting wire reaches its maximum number of hits, it must be changed," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class (AW/SW) Brian D. Darrisaw, V2 arresting gear leading petty officer (LPO). "Many times the change takes place during flight operations in between landings."

The danger of being on the flight deck also effects the V4 division, said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 1st Class Frankie B. Alvarado, V4 LPO.

"Like everything on the flight deck, making sure our fueling stations are operating is time-essential. Everything is in the heat of the moment." said Alvarado.

Although Air Department Sailors have a daunting task ahead of them, leadership has the highest confidence in their Sailors.

"All of our Sailors are motivated and dedicated," Chambers said. "Flight deck certification is the result of a lot of hard work. We're ready, the equipment is ready, it's show time."