Enterprise Conducts Flight Deck Barricade Drills
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100317-12
Release Date: 3/17/2010 4:45:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas C. Scott, USS Enterprise Public Affairs
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- As of Feb. 12, the arresting gear crew of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) has conducted two drills to test the ship's flight deck barricade.
The barricade is a large nylon net used to catch aircraft during emergency landings, and the ship isn't allowed to conduct flight operations without it. It can only be used one time before being replaced, and the Enterprise has had seven barricade arrestments in her 48 years of service.
Low fuel, hydraulic failure or an engine cutting out are just a few reasons that could cause an aircraft to make an unconventional landing on the flight deck requiring the barricade assistance.
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) (AW/SW) 1st Class Norman L. Tamantini has worked on the barricade drills since they began in January.
"The barricade is the only means of recovery when aircraft come to a crash landing on the flight deck," said Tamantini. "It is an extremely important thing on an aircraft carrier, and we won't be able to get underway unless it's working properly."
According to Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) (AW/SW) Salvatore M. Gumina, the arresting gear crew leading chief petty officer, the drills have been a phenomenal success and have reinforced teamwork among the Sailors involved.
"It takes 18 Sailors five minutes to rig it, and they are definitely ready for the challenge," said Gumina.
"The department has done a fantastic job acting as one unit during these drills. They really do embody what teamwork is supposed to be."
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.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
