Photo By Cpl. James Sauter | U.S. Marine Capt. Jarrod Rothman, company commander, Alpha Company, 3rd Reconnaissance...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii — Marines of Alpha Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, had the unique opportunity to interact and train with their Navy brethren during dry deck landing and withdrawal training on board USS North Carolina (SSN777), a fast attack submarine at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 23.
“Today, we’re updating and validating our submarine standard operating procedures,” said Gunnery Sgt. Hunter Sorrells, company operations chief, 3rd Recon Bn. “With the Marine Corps focusing on our amphibious roots, we’re brushing off the cobwebs on our submarine training.”
During the exercise, the Marines and sailors worked hand-in-hand to learn how to store two combat rubber reconnaissance crafts in the submarine’s lock out chamber. The gear had to be stored in such a way that it could be brought topside and assembled in a timely manner. The objective was to have all boats assembled and ready for launch within 15 minutes.
“A submarine is a perfect platform from which to launch amphibious reconnaissance operations,” Sorrells said. “Its ability to operate in littoral zones undetected extends our range and limits the distance needed to travel for insertion.”
North Carolina is a Virginia-class fast attack submarine commissioned in 2008. Virginia-class submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, project naval firepower ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles, insert and retrieve special operations forces, carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, support battle group operations and engage in mine warfare.
“When it comes to the Navy-Marine Corps team, it’s essential that we work together because we’re all a part of the Navy,” said Navy Lt. Doug McKenzie, assistant engineer officer, North Carolina. “The Navy and Marine Corps share a common goal, and this training is a sound opportunity to see how different units operate.”
After plans of how to store the equipment and bring it up were finalized, the Marines went below deck to simulate the submarine surfacing and brought the gear on deck to assemble the boats.
“We spent a good amount of time this morning just talking about the layout and design of the operation and ensuring everyone understood what was taking place,” Sorrells said. “The interoperability between the sub’s crew and the teams is crucial. Understanding what the sub needs from us and vise versa is critical for a safe and effective evolution.”
The moment the hatch to the lockout chamber opened, to the moment a craft was assembled and its engine started, time was being kept on how fast the Marines could put the boats together.
The first run lasted a little more than 20 minutes while the following two runs were cut down to the ideal time of less than 15 minutes.
“It’s been a real fun and interesting time to see how these guys operate and work together to make the mission happen,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Joel Burchwell, machinist mate and Navy Diver, North Carolina. “I never thought that I would get an opportunity like this.”
After the training exercise was complete, the Marines presented a commemorative paddle to McKenzie expressing their gratitude for being a part of the Navy-Marine Corps team. A unique feature about the paddle was the blue and green wrapping intertwined around the handle symbolizing the shared DNA of the Navy and Marine Corps.
“Effective communication between the crew and the teams prior to and during the operation is what made today very successful,” Sorrells said. “It was a seamless integration and we look forward to continuing the relationships built here today.”
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2012 14:12 |
| Story ID: | 90696 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE PEARL HAIR RESERVE BASEOR HICKAM , HI, US |
| Web Views: | 1,509 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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