USS Wasp returns to sea for training

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew M. Rivard | Hull Technician 3rd Class (SW) Andrew S. Norden drains a firehose after completing and testing a pipe patching during a flooding drill onboard USS Wasp Nov. 28.  

ATLANTIC OCEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

11.29.2011

Courtesy Story

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

By Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Caleb Cooper
USS Wasp

ATLANTIC OCEAN – USS Wasp departed its home port in Norfolk, Va., Nov. 28 for sea trials to ready itself for future underway periods.

The ship will participate in Afloat Training Group 1.3B, which includes engineering, damage control and aircraft exercises in the Virginia Capes area of operation.

Wasp’s Engineering Training Team, Damage Control Training Team and air operations personnel will participate in numerous mass casualty drills overseen by ATG.

“Any kind of training opportunity has a positive effect on the crew and new members of the crew,” said Lt. j.g. Nate Bosiak, the ship’s Fire Control Officer. “It’s impactful, and it’s important for new sailors to learn their way around the ship.”

Engineering and damage control training is crucial and provides not only an opportunity for instruction of newly reported sailors, but a chance for seasoned sailors to teach and pass on their knowledge of the ship and day-to-day life underway.

“I feel like the ship will perform admirably in all the scenarios presented to us by ATG,” said Bosiak. “However, any constructive criticism will be taken onboard by our crew with the utmost professionalism and positivity.”

According to DC1 Erik Prager, Assistant DCTT coordinator, every Wasp sailor will have an opportunity to learn something new while underway.

“No matter how long you’ve been in the Navy, damage control is about the basics, said Prager. “Building on the basics allows you to be prepared for any situation.”

Another evolution taking place during Wasp’s underway period is the Operations Department’s full certification of the ship’s Precision Approach Landing System, which began in July during previous sea trials.

The PALS system is essential to the safe landing of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft at sea. More importantly, the certification of that system is an important step in preparing the ship to become deployment ready.

Wasp and its crew are expected to continue the training and certification process prior to entering the holiday season with another ATG evolution slated for early December.

• Date Taken: 11.29.2011
• Date Posted: 12.01.2011 23:16
• Story ID: 80797
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA