GHWB Completes INSURV Phase II

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS160429-16
Release Date: 4/29/2016 1:42:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mario Coto, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) completed the second phase of the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey, April 29.

INSURV Phase II is a five-day visit by the INSURV Assist Team to help the ship's crew prepare for INSURV by identifying discrepancies on the ship that aren't up to Navy standards.

"I, and the rest of team, have come on board to get to know the crew and engage with as many of them as possible," said Clete Strausbaugh, INSURV Assist Team Leader. "The purpose of this team is to make sure CVN 77 has a successful INSURV."

According to Strausbaugh, each inspected area receives a score from the INSURV team.

"Damage control, combat systems, information systems, engineering, auxiliary, electrical and deck, to name a few," said Strausbaugh. "Out of those 18 functional areas, you'll receive a score -- red, yellow, or green for each area. The best score you'll want to get in your area is green."

INSURV itself is a five-day inspection of the ship's overall material condition to verify it meets official Navy standards and to ensure all systems are functioning at the intended level.

"Congress established INSURV 130 years ago to inspect our Navy ships and to report on their readiness," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Reedy, command INSURV coordinator. "It's a thorough inspection to examine ships against known Navy standards to determine readiness in sustained combat situations."

A successful inspection depends on the combined effort of the entire crew, as well as the guidance and experience of officers and senior enlisted personnel. INSURV is critical not only to ensure ships are ready to meet the needs of the Navy, but also to assure the nation each vessel is properly cared for.

"INSURV is important to the Navy because it demonstrates to Congress and the taxpayers that we are maintaining this national asset to the highest standards of material readiness," said Reedy. "We are obligated to ensure our ship lasts its entire lifespan, and the public needs to know that our Sailors are taking care of the ship properly."

Inspectors go through every space on the ship, and all Sailors aboard are responsible for their spaces.

"Our ship has to work as a team to ensure every piece of gear the crew is responsible for operates to specification and functions within guidelines," said Reedy. "This ensures CVN 77 is ready to carry out our assigned mission with all systems working the way they should be."

GHWB is currently undergoing a planned incremental availability period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.