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Big E Sailors Train

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100317-24
Release Date: 3/17/2010 10:46:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Meredith

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors from the Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) participated in a team training exercise at Naval Air Technical Training Command at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

The Jan. 25 to Feb. 8 training exercise helped 23 Sailors learn to safely conduct flight operations at sea.

This training is vital as Enterprise nears completion of its extended dry-docking selected restricted availability and begins sea trials.

The first day of training tested the Sailors' book knowledge of the CATCC. This was followed by practical computer-based simulated recoveries of varying degrees of complexity.

"It's an opportunity for the air traffic controllers who aren't out to sea to come down here, use the simulator and polish their skills," said Cdr. Charlie A. Broomfield, the ship's air operations officer. "The training exactly replicates the CATCC aboard the ship. The stations are laid out as they would be on a Nimitz-class carrier, but with the same functionality as on Enterprise."

The training also allowed experienced Sailors to try out the new electronic status boards implemented in CATCC. Previously, the status boards had to be written by hand. They have been replaced with a laptop-based spreadsheet, similar to the Integrated Shipboard Information System used on other carriers. This makes dissemination of critical flight data information easier to pass throughout the ship.

"This training gives us the chance to actually see what we do when we get underway and to actually practice our job," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW) Marcus A. Smalley, work center supervisor. "It's like reading a driver's education book: you don't get the whole picture until you're actually behind the wheel. A lot of light bulbs come on while you're in there."

It's this experience that helps these Sailors excel at their jobs by improving their skills.

"Like a pilot, if these guys don't keep themselves trained, they begin to lose their edge," said Broomfield. "Coming down here allows them to hone these skills that are so perishable."

The first underway tests for Enterprise will be sea trials, flight deck and CATCC certification.

"The training paves the way for Enterprise to pass the CATCC certification test," said Broomfield. "With a clear road ahead, we can get back into the fleet, and back into the fight."

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.