Bataan Conducts Amphibious Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet
Story Number: NNS090715-10
Release Date: 7/15/2009 11:50:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy L. Grisham
USS
BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose
amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) recently conducted
full-scale amphibious operations training, which allowed the crew to
maintain proficiency and readiness on four different types of crafts.
Bataan opened its well deck to the sea, allowed up to seven feet of
water to enter the specialized compartment and launched and received
landing craft air-cushions (LCAC), landing craft utility, amphibious
assault vehicles and lighter amphibious resupply cargo craft from the
dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and amphibious transport
dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15).
For Bataan's engineering and deck departments, launching and recovering
LCACs is routine, but working with the other craft is a bit more
uncommon, so when the chance came to sharpen their skills, the crew was
eager and ready for the challenge.
Deck department Sailors stationed at well-deck control, the craft
access ramp and the along the parallel "wing walls" of the well deck
brought aboard each craft, unloaded their cargo and then launched them
back out to the sea.
"As far as proficiency, that's our job. We need to be ready for
anything," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Eric Peterson from
Hoisington, Kan., leading petty officer for deck's 2nd division.
"Overall, you're only as strong as your weakest link."
Each amphibious craft presents unique challenges for the engineering
team responsible for keeping the well deck flooded at the proper level,
or "ballasting." Whether the requirement was six inches of water or
seven feet, the operators and equipment were ready to execute.
"It really is assault and repair divisions that work diligently to
maintain all ballasting equipment at peak performance," said Chief
Damage Controlman (SW) James Welch, a native of Fresno, Calif., and one
of Bataan's ballasting control officers. "When the time comes to do the
job, we don't have any doubts about how the equipment will perform."
Bataan is serving as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready
Group, conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet
Area of Operations.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
