Bonhomme Richard: Warfighting First, Part 7

SASEBO, JAPAN

12.23.2014

Courtesy Story

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ty C. Connors
USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan – “There is no 911 at sea,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ruth G. Avelis, from Chicago, Bonhomme Richard’s damage control assistant. “We are our own fire department, fabrication shop and repair facility underway. That is why Damage Control efforts are so pivotally important for the survivability of a warship like Bonhomme Richard.”

The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) is inheritor of the storied name of the ship commanded by John Paul Jones. The first Bonhomme Richard earned her spot in Naval History in a titanic engagement in which she absorbed fatal damage and still carried her crew to victory. The Sailors of the first Bonhomme Richard set the standard for modern damage control.

“Damage control is an all-hands, non-stop effort,” said Chief Damage Controlman Kevin Christopher, from Jonesville, Mich. “Whether we are in port or underway, damage control doesn’t stop. We do constant maintenance and training to keep our skills sharp and to incorporate the whole crew into our damage control team. We have 54 full-time personnel from the damage controlman, machinery repairmen and hull maintenance technician rates in our repair division, but we rely on personnel from all departments to take on duties necessary to keep us afloat in all emergencies. Every Sailor is a DC-man.”

Repair division Sailors lead and train BHR Sailors to be ready to battle casualties in an emergency.

“Most people understand that repair division personnel are primarily responsible for keeping the ship afloat in an emergency,” said Avelis. “What many people don’t realize is that we are also the ship’s plumbers, metal-smiths and machinists. So as the ship prepares to get underway we are continuing the damage control preparations and we are supporting other departments in their preparations.

“We have spent, and continue to spend, long hours to get the ship materially and training-wise, ready to answer all bells,” said Avelis. “We are committed to uphold the history and tradition of the proud name of Bonhomme Richard, and damage control is the key to that goal. To amend the words of John Paul Jones himself, we wish to have no connection to any ship that does not sail fast and know her damage control; for I intend to go in harm’s way.”

• Date Taken: 12.23.2014
• Date Posted: 12.23.2014 21:45
• Story ID: 151034
• Location: SASEBO, JP
• Hometown: JONESVILLE, MI, US