USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
June 15, 2012 Issue
Enterprise: Learning From the Past to Prepare for the Future Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Robert Guerra training, improved firefighting equipment as well as facilitated more demanding qualification and certification requirements.” All Sailors receive damage control training during basic training, and through simulated drills, which culminate in a realistic training scenario called “Battle Stations,” are given their first glimpse into what may face them in their upcoming career. Upon checking aboard Enterprise, that training is taken a step further. All hands are required to attend basic damage control training designed to provide ship-specific information and lay a foundation and skill set for damage control efforts aboard the ship. “Every Sailor and Marine aboard needs to know the basic damage control equipment and procedures aboard the ship,” said Porter. “In an emergency the initial actions that are taken can make the difference between containing a casualty and losing control. The objective is to always keep casualties isolated and minimized to the smallest area possible.” Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Rashien Simpson, watches Sailors in proximity firefighting suits prepare to simulate overhauling an aircraft fire during a general quarters drill. Enterprise Sailors routinely hone and develop these (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman) skills through drills known as General Quarters (GQ). USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Fire and metal rained down from GQ can deal with scenarios ranging from mass casualties to the sky. Smoke consumed everything. Explosions occurred compartmental flooding and shipboard firefighting, all of which in unison, four at a time, as Mk 82 bombs “cooked off” in are synonymous with shipboard damage control. the fire that engulfed the flight deck. Burning fuel, like lava, “The GQ drills that we conduct aboard are evolutions poured down through the holes caused by the explosions. The designed to instill and reinforce procedures and techniques compartments below became host to class alpha, bravo and Sailors already posses,” said Porter. “All hands are required to charlie fires as the intensity of the stream ignited everything it attend a ‘live’ firefighting school every six years and our GQ came into contact with. drills work to strengthen that training.” The officers and crew faced catastrophe. All hands Damage control aboard Enterprise is an important and vital scrambled to their repair lockers, gathering equipment to consideration to all hands. However, firefighting has clearly combat the emergency. The crew fought both above and below distinguished itself as a top priority since any fire has the decks as the ship maneuvered to put the 18-knot winds toward potential of becoming an inferno that can threaten the life of the the fantail, away from aircraft and the island. Before the crew ship and crew. successfully extinguished the flames and suppressed the threat, Proper training in the areas of damage control and 28 Sailors had been killed, and 314 others were injured – many firefighting are the keys to success in meeting the ever-growing severely. challenges of shipboard life. The diligent implementation of January 14, 1969, is a date that has been permanently forged GQ drills ensures that the Big E’s crew is ready and prepared to into the history of the legendary aircraft carrier USS Enterprise respond to any casualty they may face. (CVN 65). For it was on this date, her crew fought through peril “We work hard to maintain everyone’s training proficiency,” and adversity with selfless determination to save their ship. said Porter. “Whether personnel are members of a repair locker As Big ‘E’ steams forward through her final deployment, the or in-port emergency team, we ensure that they’re ready to go effects of that day can still be felt. at all times without doubts as to the actions necessary to take “Because of tragic events such as the 1969 fire, Navy control of any casualty they may face.” damage control training programs have dramatically Through regularly scheduled GQ drills, Enterprise and improved,” said Master Chief Damage Controlman Glen her crew continue to show their resilience, determination and Porter, Engineering department, DC division leading chief commitment to learning from the past in order to better prepare petty officer. “The lessons we’ve learned have aided in better and respond to emergencies in the future.