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Shoup Sailors Groomed for Success at Port Hueneme

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100331-03
Release Date: 3/31/2010 1:01:00 PM

From USS Shoup Public Affairs

USS SHOUP, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Shoup (DDG 86) completed an intense period of combat system maintenance and repair at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Port Hueneme, Calif., March 22-25.

Port Hueneme's engineers provided parts, training, and technical guidance to Sailors throughout the four-day visit and system groom. With their assistance, Shoup improved both its current and future readiness.

"Port Hueneme is a rare opportunity whose value cannot be understated. The benefit to the technicians both on board and ashore is priceless," said Cmdr. Joe Nadeau, Shoup commanding officer.

Located at Naval Base Ventura County, the Port Hueneme facilities boast some of the leading engineers and developers working on the Aegis combat system. The visit allowed Shoup's junior technicians to work closely with the experts in their fields.

"Without the crew at Port Hueneme, we'd have to live with any faults in our equipment," said Ensign Matthew Brassart, electronic materials officer, "the technicians of Port Hueneme know actually causes those faults and can often fix them."

The port visit yielded other unique opportunities for training as well. Shoup's Deck Division benefited from use of the underway replenishment simulator, while the wardroom and chiefs mess received briefings on a variety of tactical subjects tailored to the ship's configuration and future schedule. Several junior officers received a tour of the Navy's Self Defense Test Ship, the decommissioned USS Paul F. Foster (DD 964). It was also a chance for NSWC employees, the majority of whom are civilians, to tour Shoup and see how their work is reflected on an active platform.

"I wish we were here longer," said Lt. j.g. Michael Bassen, Shoup's systems test officer. "The ability for a crewmember to stand next to the subject matter expert is invaluable."

Shoup is homeported in Everett, Wash., as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.