Ike Sailors Test New CBR Suit Variants

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Waters | 191008-N-PI330-0009 NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 10, 2019) Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 3rd Class Christopher Anders, from Dallas, gets fitted for a gas mask aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).Ike is currently pier side at Naval Station Norfolk conducting routine maintenance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Waters)  

UNITED STATES

12.03.2019

Story by Seaman Apprentice Joseph Miller 

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)   

Several Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) were chosen to test out the possible replacements of the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST).
These new CBR suits were worn by Sailors for 20 work days to test the durability and practicality of each replacement variant.
Chief Damage Controlman Dana Cox, the damage control division leading chief petty officer, said the suits were distributed across a variety of rates in order to test resilience in various environments.
“The suits were given to Sailors with different jobs on the ship to see how they hold up,” said Cox. “The participants wore the suits throughout the workday and then gave their feedback based on their experiences.”
There are six prospective styles that were worn. Styles vary between one- and two-piece and material. Damage Controlman 2nd Class Nicholas Haas, who was responsible for distributing the suits to Sailors, said combining two or more of the suits in order to maximize utility and strength is not out of the question.
“A big reason they’re doing this is to find a better way to be mobile in the suits,” said Haas. “The JSLIST is a little restrictive, and the hope is that whatever new suit they choose will not only protect the wearer, but allow them to do whatever activities may be operationally necessary while they are in the suit.”
Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Dwayne Skolski, who was given one of the two-piece versions of the uniform, said he believed the uniform was as mobile as most of the working uniforms.
“As a member of the in-port emergency team, I can tell you being able to don my self-contained breathing apparatus and my mask is so much easier with this uniform. I don’t have to worry about buttoning my button and rolling my sleeves down while trying to transit to a casualty.”
Although mobility and practicality play a role in the decision of which suit or combination of suits will become the official gear, Cox said one factor remains paramount.
“The most important factor is durability,” said Cox. “If you ever do have to wear the suit, you want to make sure it doesn’t rip easily, and you want to make sure the material is strong enough to withstand any conditions we may face in the future.”
Haas said it is for this reason that the testing process will continue after the suits are returned from Ike.
“Once they have been worn on the ship and feedback has been received, they will take them back, cut them up, and test each suit with a live agent to see which one reacts best against the agent.”
Haas said that no matter which suit the Navy ultimately chooses, he is grateful to have been a part of the process of improving this vital piece of equipment.
“It’s about the mission,” said Haas. “It’s about being able to do the job that we need to do regardless of what conditions we face.”

• Date Taken: 12.03.2019
• Date Posted: 12.06.2019 20:54
• Story ID: 354634
• Location: US