Stennis Sailors Complete Anti-Terrorism Training

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class William Ford | 171025-N-YF227-057 BREMERTON, Wash. (Oct. 25, 2017) A Sailor assigned to USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) participates the ship's Antiterrorism Force Protection Assessment. John C. Stennis is in port training for future operations after completing flight deck certification and conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Ford/Released)  

BREMERTON, WA, UNITED STATES

11.01.2017

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Ford 

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

Sailors stationed aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) completed the graded phase of their Anti-terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Assessment and Readiness Certification, Oct. 23-27.
John C. Stennis Sailors completed a litany of drills during the assessment, to include ID penetration drills at both the entry control point and aboard the ship, bomb threats, suspicious packages, and small boat and swimmer attacks, passing with a score of 96 percent.
The ATFP assessment, conducted by Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Afloat Training Group (ATG), determines the readiness of a command’s watchstanders.
“The purpose of the assessment is to train, inspect and certify the command’s ability to protect and defend our ship, crew and assets anywhere in the world,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Matthew Harrington, leading petty officer of the security department aboard John C. Stennis, from Delray Beach, Florida. “We were glad to see our Sailors overcome the adversity we put them in and use their training to defend against the simulated threats. We constantly train our Sailors so when the time comes, their training will kick in and overcome the enemy.”
ATG worked with John C. Stennis Sailors in the weeks leading up to the assessment to improve any deficiencies, provide feedback and prepare them for the final phase.
“Our goal was to make your watchstanders proficient in all anti-terrorism aspects, whether it be an active shooter, improvised explosive devices or any other threats to the ship,” said Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Stephen Lyons from Dover, Delaware, an ATG member. “I expect them to take everything we’ve taught them and just run with it and react to any threat without hesitation.”
As John C. Stennis continues to train and prepare for future operations, it is imperative the ship’s security forces remain ready for all types of threats.
“The world has changed, and so have the type of threats we may encounter,” said Lt. Reico Taylor, the security officer aboard John C. Stennis, from Douglas, Georgia. “We must be prepared to deter terrorism while protecting John C. Stennis and its crew against a wide-range of threats at any given moment.”
John C. Stennis is in port training for future operations after completing flight deck certification and conducting carrier qualifications.
For more news on John C. Stennis, visit www.stennis.navy.mil or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stennis74.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2017
• Date Posted: 12.28.2017 11:55
• Story ID: 260492
• Location: BREMERTON, WA, US