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Bataan Helps Prepare Longtime U.S. Partner for Mission Ahead

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110609-01
6/9/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Turner, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) embarked aboard FS Tonnerre (L9014) June 7 to assist the crew of the French amphibious assault ship with their successful well-deck certification while both ships were conducting operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

Bataan employed a landing craft, air cushioned (LCAC), from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 and a team of amphibious operations subject matter experts to work side-by-side with their French counterparts.

The certification will provide Tonnerre with additional flexibility during their support to NATO-led Operation Unified Protector.

"This is a very beneficial capability to have for NATO," said Captain Philippe Ebanga, Tonnerre's commanding officer. "The French do not own LCACs, so the U.S. Navy is the only organization that is capable of providing us with a certification."

This is Tonnerre's first recertification since receiving an initial certification after being delivered to the French fleet five years ago. The certification expires every two years.

"The certification performed aboard Tonnerre is the same process done on any amphibious assault U.S. Navy vessel," said Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3) Wes Mason, officer in charge of the ACU-4 detachment operating from Bataan.

The certification is a two-part process. The first piece is the technical certification, typically done while the ship is in port, and involves thorough inspections of the well deck prior to at-sea operations. Bataan provided assistance with the second part, which includes successfully launching, recovering and refueling of LCACs during day and night operations.

The Tonnerre crew executed a detailed checklist during LCAC operations that included everything from their ability to communicate with one and other and the craft, to displaying proper level of knowledge in LCAC operations, to maintaining the necessary equipment.

"In order to certify a ship's well deck during the second portion, we have to make sure they have enough qualified personnel to conduct LCAC operations," said Mason. "We have to ensure everything from knowing proper hand signaling, to knowing how to properly refuel an LCAC."

Sailors and Marines from Bataan spent eight hours aboard Tonnerre working with the French sailors.

"Overall it was a successful mission," said Mason. "I think it was a great experience for all of us. Everyone did an outstanding job, and it was good training for the U.S. Navy, the French navy, as well as both ships."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.