WW-JanFeb 2022 issue.qxp_Pages-12-40-JanFeb WPD 06/01/2022 12:17 Page 6
WORLD NEWS Peter van Schie
USS Gerald R. Ford sees completion of Advanced Weapons Elevators
Copyright RAN
Early December 2021 saw completion of the 11th and final Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). AWEs on the carrier operate using several advanced technologies including electromagnetic motors versus more labour intensive, hydraulic systems. The state-of-the-art technology enables fewer sailors to safely move ordnance from weapons magazines to the flight deck with unparalleled speed and agility. “This is a significant milestone for the Navy, ship, and her crew,” said Rear Adm James P Downey, Programme Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers. “With completion of this final AWE, we now have the entire system to operate and train with.” The Navy-Industry AWE team worked both in port and at sea to complete the elevators to ensure the availability of neccesary materials and engineering expertise. Myriad vendors collaborated to provide seamless support to multi-shift, shipboard production efforts. “The Navy-Industry teaming provided the opportunities for hundreds of craftsmen, technicians and engineers, working around the clock - through multiple underway and holiday periods - to get these advanced systems on line and operational,” said Downey. This key milestone was achieved during the carrier’s six-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) which is due to be complete this coming Spring after which Gerald R. Ford is scheduled for training and deployment.
Loss inspires return to RAN
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Warship World January/February 2022
Losing everything in the Black Summer bushfires Lieutenant Rick Withers is returning to the RAN after an eight-year break. His wife and children were thankfully evacuated to safety, but Withers watched via satellite as their property was destroyed. Incredibly, the Withers’ chose to accept their circumstances as an opportunity for personal growth. “I always felt I had unfinished business with the Navy. Starting again, we began talking about the possibility of me re-joining.” Withers said. “As a specialist reservist, I’ve returned with a much broader professional skill set and academic experience.” Repeating an initial training period helped Lieutenant Withers see how far he and the Navy had come since he left.
