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Enterprise Completes Deceptive Lighting Drill

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100413-29
4/13/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Tracey L. Whitley, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) successfully completed a deceptive lighting drill April 12 during a fast cruise exercise after spending more than two years in the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyards.

Deceptive lighting is widely used as a tool to deceive enemy ships. This drill marked the first time outside underway lights had been turned on since Enterprise's last deployment in 2007.

The drill was conducted in close coordination with the Enterprise Navigation, Air, Operations, Deck, Engineering, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) and Security departments, all of which worked together to ensure the aircraft carrier is prepared for upcoming sea trials.

"A lot of people presume their department has no role in the deceptive lighting drill," said Lt. Cmdr. Tony Gregg, the ship's tactical action officer. "However, a lot of coordination with departments and quick participation by individuals at the deck plate level across the ship are critical to making this an effective operational tactic."

Gregg also said aircraft carriers present a unique challenge when conducting drills such as these.

"A ship this size uses a lighting configuration unlike any other on the planet," said Gregg. "Changing from our norm requires careful forethought, some ingenuity, and when the call is made, rapid action through implementation of pre-planned responses."

Drills like these during the ship's fast cruise prepare Sailors to operate with greater familiarity once out to sea.

"By performing these tests now we are making sure everything runs smoothly with the equipment and any maintenance done during the availability period was completed correctly," said Gregg.

Enterprise is conducting a fast cruise exercise in the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard in preparation for sea trials scheduled later this month. The aircraft carrier also went through a maintenance period to maintain proficiency in preparation to return to the fleet.