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Wasp's Crew Ensures Ship Is Ready for Sea Trials

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110430-09
4/30/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Koons, USS Wasp (LHD 1) Public Affairs

USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Wasp's (LHD 1) three-month long shipyard period came to an end April 27 with the start of the ship's sea trials period.

Many Wasp Sailors said they worked hard to prepare the ship for going back to sea.

"Engineering Department was very busy getting Wasp ready for sea trials," said Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) Michael Boccicchia. "We had to trouble shoot equipment and conduct steam testing in a shorter period of time than we usually have, but our guys rose to the occasion and never complained."

During Wasp's stay in the BAE Systems Shipyard, the ship underwent a $23 million availability. For junior Sailors in the Engineering Department, making sure all systems aboard Wasp were working meant being aware of any possible discrepancies.

"We had to check the ship's halon, AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) and drainage systems to ensure they were up to standard," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class (SW) Chad Noss. "We also had to take care of last minute welding jobs and provide equipment the pit crew may need, such as bolts and screws. We did everything we had to do for Wasp to successfully pull out of the yards."

Making sure Wasp was ready to go back out to sea was also a job that consumed the Air Department.

"During the past few weeks we got everything on the flight deck ready to go for sea trials," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman (AW) Andre Nation. "We changed out the lights, painted the wheel stops and made sure all of the equipment in flight deck control was working. All of this was vital to ensuring Wasp is ready to launch and recover aircraft."

In addition, Wasp's Food Services Division had to worry about the hectic pace that comes with serving the crew while at sea, a challenge to which they successfully rose.

"We brought aboard a lot of food stores, as well as plates, bowls, spoons and other necessary items," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class (AW) Isaac Gervasio. "We had to work extended hours to get this done, but it was all worth it."

For the Sailors in Wasp's Automated Data Processing (ADP) Office, getting underway was the icing on the cake of a very fruitful shipyard period.

"With all of the computer installations and program upgrades we did during the last few months, ADP benefited the command in a very positive way," said Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Letitia Collins. "I am very proud of how my team performed during the yard period. They reminded me of what being a deckplate leader is all about."