Training never stops

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Julia Brockman | 210317-N-JC401-1055 SAN DIEGO (March 17, 2021) Sailors in overhaul suits approach a simulated fire during a general quarters drill in the hanger bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is moored at Naval Air Station North Island in support of routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Julia Brockman/Released  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

04.07.2021

Story by Seaman Stephanie Contreras 

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)   

SAN DIEGO -- A Sailor removes their firefighting helmet and loosens their face mask as beads of sweat roll down their flushed face after hours of wear. The 45-minute self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is unstrapped and removed relieving 14 pounds of weight from weary shoulders. This Sailor is an attack team member setting the standard proving every Sailor is a firefighter. And so goes another high-tempo damage control drill aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
Orchestrating the massive damage control evolutions are a select few Sailors whose job it is to train the crew to fight the ship — the Damage Control Training Team (DCTT).
“We are constantly training Sailors aboard the Abraham Lincoln in order for us to execute our mission,” said Chief Damage Controlman Johnathan Zavatsky, assistant DCTT coordinator. “The damage control team’s role is to prepare and train Sailors to fight the ship should any casualty occur from fire or flooding.”
Basic steps are implemented to teach a new round of Sailors the proper way to combat casualties utilizing a crawl-walk-run method. Starting with proper battle dress and walking through zebra setting to two hit dynamic scenarios, establishing clear expectations gives Sailors a strong foundation to build upon.
“If you don’t train somebody and establish muscle memory, when the adrenaline hits, the panic could cloud their judgment,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Eric Stewart, Abraham Lincoln’s fire marshall. “We are trying to train them through repetition and have what they learn kick in automatically.”
As drilling ramps up in preparation for deployment, the crew is being evaluated by Afloat Training Group (ATG). This team inspects knowledge and skill level of all things damage control for DCTT members, repair lockers, flying squad and in-port emergency teams. Once the crew passes these evaluations and is given the stamp of approval from ATG, Abraham Lincoln is closer to being a capable and lethal tool for our nation. The overall goal and mission of DCTT remains the same regardless of inspections or deployment: properly preparing others to effectively fight the ship.
“Nothing will change as far as training,” said Zavatsky. “Training is training. It is a constant thing that will continue. The only changes that might occur, if any, is if we find a better way to fight a casualty.”
DCTT is comprised of 120 Sailors ranging from officers to hard-charging petty officer 2nd classes and above. Members are placed in every repair locker and tasked with training Sailors from almost every rate on what to do when they are called to be a firefighter or support a dewatering team.
“DCTT is filled with some amazing Sailors who are really pushing hard in these training cycles to prepare for any real life scenarios,” said Zavatsky. “If you grab a PQS, never stop learning and growing, and have a passion for training Sailors jump onboard and come be apart of the team.”

• Date Taken: 04.07.2021
• Date Posted: 04.08.2021 22:40
• Story ID: 393406
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US