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Naval
Forces News - USA |
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US
Navy Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Conducts Initial
Fast Cruise |
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By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. Fairchild More than 2,000 PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors participated in the ship's first fast cruise exercise, May 3-5, in Newport News, Virginia. A fast cruise is a simulated underway, designed to prepare the crew for life at sea and get them in an operational mindset. The exercise is geared toward preparing Sailors for future deployments. |
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 NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Nov. 17, 2013) The aircraft carrier Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) transits the James River during the ship's launch and transit to Newport News Shipyard pier three for the final stages of construction and testing. Ford was christened Nov. 9, 2013, and is under construction at Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Aidan P. Campbell/Released) |
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"This
exercise is a good starting point for them to understand the rhythm
of an underway ship," said Command Master Chief Donnie Novak. "When
leadership speaks about being underway or pulling into port, the scenario
becomes more real to the junior Sailors, many of whom have never been
underway. Now that they've had a taste, it builds confidence, builds
camaraderie, and makes them rely more on themselves and their shipmates." General quarters, man overboard, and abandon ship drills were all-hands evolutions that tested the proficiency of the entire crew, while major departments such as Engineering, Deck, Air, and Navigation used the opportunity to stand up full watch teams, simulate air transfer requests and set material conditions. "Being on here allows us to operate without distraction," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Brian Epling. "It may be a sacrifice for a couple days but the training is extremely valuable." Supply Department achieved a major milestone during this fast cruise, serving 1,850 lunches during the first full underway day. The Engineering Department was also commended during a general quarters exercise, in which they responded to many accident causalities and electrical fire simulations. Material Condition Yoke was also set on the ship's firemain for the first time. "This is the most realistic fast cruise I have ever been on," Novak said. "It is a building block to the next fast cruise, with the end result of our crew being prepared for whatever our ship's mission may be. I couldn't be more proud of the crew." "Fast cruise brings us all together to work as a team and learn the equipment," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Brian Woolf. "I think this will set us up for success." Link to Gerald R. Ford Class (CVN-78) Aircraft Carrier technical datasheet |
US Navy Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Conducts Initial Fast Cruise
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