Iwo Jima Completes First Major Ammo Onload Since 2014
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS170525-12
Release Date: 5/25/2017 9:58:00 AM
From USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Public Affairs
NAVAL WEAPONS STATION EARLE, N.J. (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) conducted its first major ammunition onload since 2014, pierside at Naval Weapons Station Earle, May 16-18.
More than 800 tons of ordnance were lifted and driven onto the ship during the onload, the ship's final onload as it prepares to deploy in 2018.
"This is obviously a big piece in the ship and [critical to] the crew being able to conduct any task necessary of us while we conduct our operations at sea," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Chadwick Stephens, Iwo Jima's ordnance handling officer. "We had to ensure the onload was conducted safely and by the book. All the training, planning, coordination and support between the departments on board and Naval Weapons Station Earle personnel proved vital in a zero mishap evolution."
Even while working 16-hour days on occasion, those in weapons department were happy to finish the onload, something they identified as their "Super Bowl."
"It took a lot of hard work, but we all came together and got the job done," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Andrew Smith. "Working with weapons is why I joined and now that we have the ammo, we can do our part for the mission."
Iwo Jima is currently conducting routine operations at sea following the completion of a continuous maintenance availability period.
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