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George Washington Sailors use Fast Cruise to Prepare for Sea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100512-18
5/12/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ken Ingram, USS George Washington Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sailors completed a mock two-day underway period May 9, which was aimed at getting the crew ready for the ship's upcoming sea trials.

George Washington's 3,000 Sailors simulated a variety of drills, which included going to general quarters, preparing to abandon ship and accounting for Sailors in the event of a man overboard.

"Fast cruise is only a simulation, but it's still good training," said Chief Warrant Officer Francisco Jusino, the ship's air boatswain. "We aren't really at sea, so things could change once reality sets in."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Recruit Eddie Martin, a new Sailor aboard George Washington, found the training provided during fast cruise will help him better perform his duties at sea.

"I have flight familiarity now," said Martin. "I understand the way things work and feel ready to get underway."

Fast cruise also gave George Washington's security force the unique opportunity to practice responding to in-port and at-sea emergency situations.

"We used our time wisely to conduct training on watches and simulated drills ranging from small craft [attacks] to vehicle-born [improvised explosive devices]," said Senior Chief Master-at-Arms (SW/AW) Arcolia Rains, security's leading chief petty officer.