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Wasp Returns to Sea to Conduct Sea Trials

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110731-03
7/31/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jah'mai Stokes, USS Wasp Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- When the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) departed Norfolk Naval Station July 7 for sea trials and air certifications, many of her Sailors probably didn't imagine the full scope of what this underway period meant for the ship and crew.

During this underway period Wasp Sailors participated in or conducted Aviation Certification (AVCERT), Precision Approach Landing Systems Certification (PALSCERT), Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) Phalanx Pre-Aim Calibration (PACFIRE), well deck operations, Afloat Training Group medical training and a burial at sea ceremony.

Each Wasp Sailor had an obligation to successfully navigate through their respective challenge, but few realized that each individual challenge that was accomplished brought them one step closer to a full deployment ready/surge capable status.

According to Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Richard McCray, AVCERT is a critical component to WASP because it indicates the ship is able to safely land various aircraft aboard the ship.

"We are going to do everything possible to make sure Wasp is a fully operational ship," said McCray. "This ship will be ready to complete any tasks that come our way; our crew is doing everything possible to make sure that's the case."

Parts of AVCERT were conducted during this underway period with the rest of the certification expected to take place during an August underway period. During this underway period, Wasp attained certification to land helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft such as SH-60 Seahawks and V-22 Ospreys. Upon achieving full air certification, Wasp will also be certified to land the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Another certification critical to qualification as fully operational, and is closely related to AVCERT is Precision Approach and Landing Systems Certification (PALSCERT). Wasp conducted PALSCERT, which tests the ship's radar system that helps pilots land on the ship.

"If there are multiple aircraft that need to land on our ship, our air traffic controllers will be in constant communication with the pilots to let them know where we are in relation to them," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW) Donald Cooper. "Once the pilots know of our location and we know of theirs, our AN/SPN 35 and AN/SPN 41 radar system will chart a course so everyone will know where and when they will be picked up, and how they will come in."

PALS also provides the ship with an orderly system to pick-up the aircraft in an arranged sequence, and a better ability for pilots to land safely during inclement weather, according to Cooper.

Wasp successfully conducted a CIWS Pre-Aim Calibration Firing, July 9. A CIWS PACFIRE is an anti-ship missile defense maintenance exercise required monthly for ships on deployment or underway to align the radars with the guns and ensure weapons accuracy.

As if AVCERT, PALSCERT and a CIWS PACFIRE wasn't enough, WASP also flexed its amphibious muscle when it conducted well-deck operations. During these operations, WASP lowered her aft end into the sea, essentially sinking the ship in order to take on or offload equipment such as Landing Craft Utility boats, tanks and various Marine Corps machinery. This operation is not only critical for testing and making ready Wasp's amphibious war fighting capability, but her medical capability as well. The ship's medical and dental facilities are capable of providing intensive medical assistance to 600 casualties.

Wasp also conducted "GITMO Eight" medical training to ensure the crew's medical responsiveness. GITMO Eight derives it's name from a time when Sailors went to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and trained on responding to eight different medical scenarios commonly experienced by shipboard Sailors: abdominal lacerations, compound fractures, sucking chest wounds, amputations, facial wounds, burns, smoke inhalation and patient transport.

"This training is important for every Sailor on a ship, especially Wasp," said Hospital Corpsman Lloyd Smith. "We have roughly 1,000 Sailors and Marines aboard this ship and less than two percent of them are corpsman, so it is important for Sailors to know how to dress and treat wounds of a shipmate until more advanced medical support arrives."

Amidst a plethora of training, qualification and certification, Wasp Sailors took time to honor fallen veterans with burials at sea, July 10 and July 17.

"The burial at sea ceremony is a very meaningful and respectful service," said Command Chaplain Cmdr. Michael Hall. "It connects you to our heritage and it is a way of honoring not only the people who served, but service itself."

This underway period for Wasp has been full of sea and air trials, exercises and ceremonies, and first time experiences for many of Wasp's Sailors. But in the end, it is these experiences that will enable Wasp and her crew to continue providing support and remain a valuable asset to the fleet.