Carrier_ A Guided Tour Of An Aircraft Carrier Part 13

I've always believed that the skill that separates great Navies from the also-rans is the ability to sustain a fleet at sea with underway replenishment (UNREP). Something of an American invention prior to World War II, UNREP is a little like an elephant ballet. The dynamics of conning a s.h.i.+p in close proximity to another are completely different from any other kind of s.h.i.+p handling, and Captain Deppe was about to give us a textbook lesson in the art.

Initially, he allowed Captain Stephen Firks, CO of the Seattle, Seattle, to come up on to come up on Normandy Normandy and position his s.h.i.+p on the cruiser's port (left) side. Once this was done, the and position his s.h.i.+p on the cruiser's port (left) side. Once this was done, the Seattle Seattle began to shoot messenger lines across the gap to the deck crews of the began to shoot messenger lines across the gap to the deck crews of the Normandy. Normandy. After these were recovered, the deck crewmen pulled larger lines across and began to rig the refueling lines. For this UNREP, only two refueling lines would be set, since only JP-5 jet fuel for the After these were recovered, the deck crewmen pulled larger lines across and began to rig the refueling lines. For this UNREP, only two refueling lines would be set, since only JP-5 jet fuel for the Normandy Normandy's gas turbine engines and helicopters was being transferred, so there would not be any "high lines" for moving cargo or other supplies. There would also be no use of the Seattle Seattle's UH-46 Sea Knight Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) helicopters, as the Normandy Normandy was still well stocked with food and other consumables. was still well stocked with food and other consumables.

Within ten minutes, the lines were rigged, and the refueling hoses were pulled across the hundred feet/thirty meters or so of s.p.a.ce between the two s.h.i.+ps. Each hose has a "male" probe, which locks into a "female" receptacle on the receiving s.h.i.+p. These can be rapidly disconnected in the event of an emergency, what the Navy calls a "breakaway." When properly set and pressurized, each hose can move several thousand gallons a minute of distilled petroleum products. As soon as the refueling probes were secured into their receptacles, the Seattle Seattle began to pump JP-5 over to the cruiser. Gradually, the pressure was built up, and the flow increased. began to pump JP-5 over to the cruiser. Gradually, the pressure was built up, and the flow increased.

While all of this was going on, the two s.h.i.+p captains were carefully conning their vessels, making sure that the s.p.a.cing and alignment remained constant. This can be difficult with s.h.i.+ps of different sizes. Since the larger one wants to "suck" the smaller vessel into its side, maintaining station during UNREPs is a delicate business measured in an additional rpm or two of shaft power, or a twitch of propeller pitch. This afternoon all went exceedingly smoothly, and Captains Deppe and Firks (of Seattle) Seattle) put on a show of s.h.i.+p handling that one could only admire. put on a show of s.h.i.+p handling that one could only admire.

Part of the beauty of this operation is that it is done virtually without radio or other electronic signals. To keep things simple and quiet, only lights and flags are used. After about thirty minutes of refueling, the call came up from engineering that the Normandy Normandy's fuel bunkers were full and the UNREP completed. As they uncoupled the hoses, the crews of both s.h.i.+ps were careful to limit JP-5 spills into the sea, to minimize pollution. Not many of us realize how tough pollution-control rules are on the military, and how hard they work to be "green." Once the hoses were retracted back to the Seattle, Seattle, the deck crews began to strike their lines and drop them over the side to be retrieved by the oiler's personnel. Now came one last ticklish operation. the deck crews began to strike their lines and drop them over the side to be retrieved by the oiler's personnel. Now came one last ticklish operation.

Captain Deppe ordered all ahead two thirds (about twenty knots/thirty-seven kilometers an hour), and then began a gradual turn to starboard, a maneuver designed to make the breakaway from the 53,000-ton oiler as smooth and easy as possible. Deppe ran the cruiser through a full 360 turn and almost 10,000 yards/9,144 meters of separation from the Seattle before he felt free to maneuver again. At the completion of this turn, he ordered the cruiser to head west to join up with some other s.h.i.+ps of the GW battle group. After that, we all adjourned below to freshen up for dinner.

I was escorted to quarters usually reserved for an embarked flag officer-very luxurious after the cramped quarters of the GW. GW. With only around 350 personnel, the With only around 350 personnel, the Normandy Normandy is much more intimate and pleasant than the carrier. People can actually find privacy here and there on is much more intimate and pleasant than the carrier. People can actually find privacy here and there on Normandy Normandy if they want it. Another nice thing about being on one of the "small boys" was the absence of the hundreds of extra VIPs, observers, media personnel, and contractors now on the carrier, making s.p.a.ce and comfort more plentiful than aboard the if they want it. Another nice thing about being on one of the "small boys" was the absence of the hundreds of extra VIPs, observers, media personnel, and contractors now on the carrier, making s.p.a.ce and comfort more plentiful than aboard the GW. GW. Perhaps the only thing I missed was the live video feeds from CNN and other networks provided by the onboard Challenge Athena system. Perhaps the only thing I missed was the live video feeds from CNN and other networks provided by the onboard Challenge Athena system.

As we gathered in the Normandy's Normandy's wardroom for dinner, I was struck by the youth of Captain's Deppe's officers. While the department heads were mostly lieutenant commanders, most of the others were lieutenants with less than five years service. Escort duty is a young person's profession, and around the table the majority of the faces were under thirty. Aboard the "small boys" of the cruiser/destroyer/frigate force, the officers' wardroom is the center of their social world. The wardroom table is a place of open expression, with rank and position holding little sway. Here problems are discussed, a.s.signments made, and professional experience pa.s.sed along to young officers. There is wardroom for dinner, I was struck by the youth of Captain's Deppe's officers. While the department heads were mostly lieutenant commanders, most of the others were lieutenants with less than five years service. Escort duty is a young person's profession, and around the table the majority of the faces were under thirty. Aboard the "small boys" of the cruiser/destroyer/frigate force, the officers' wardroom is the center of their social world. The wardroom table is a place of open expression, with rank and position holding little sway. Here problems are discussed, a.s.signments made, and professional experience pa.s.sed along to young officers. There is very very little formality. The only real rule is that everyone stands for the captain, and waits for him to serve himself before everyone else does so. As for the food, it's as good as any you will find in the fleet. From the little formality. The only real rule is that everyone stands for the captain, and waits for him to serve himself before everyone else does so. As for the food, it's as good as any you will find in the fleet. From the Normandy Normandy's small galley came a mountain of edibles, including a fine salad bar and excellent baked chicken and rice. The only problem you'll find is dealing with the roll of the s.h.i.+p. And therein lies a story.

The Ticonderoga- Ticonderoga-cla.s.s (CG-47) Aegis cruisers were built upon hulls originally designed for the Spruance- Spruance-cla.s.s (DD-963) general-purpose destroyers. They share a common structural hull power plant and many other systems. However, the extra load of weapons and other equipment a.s.sociated with the Aegis combat system has definitely "maxed out" the original Spruance Spruance design. The design. The "Ticos," "Ticos," as they are known, displace fully 15% more than a as they are known, displace fully 15% more than a Spruance, Spruance, much of which is located in the tall deckhouses that mount the four big SPY-1 phased-array radars that are the heart of the Aegis system. What this all means is that the much of which is located in the tall deckhouses that mount the four big SPY-1 phased-array radars that are the heart of the Aegis system. What this all means is that the Ticos Ticos are top-heavy. Not enough to make them unstable or p.r.o.ne to capsizing, mind you; but enough to make them less than comfortable for those who don't enjoy pitching, swaying, and rolling. In fact, they handle the seas quite well and maneuver like a small Italian sports car in the hands of a professional. However, they do roll a are top-heavy. Not enough to make them unstable or p.r.o.ne to capsizing, mind you; but enough to make them less than comfortable for those who don't enjoy pitching, swaying, and rolling. In fact, they handle the seas quite well and maneuver like a small Italian sports car in the hands of a professional. However, they do roll a lot! lot! In a heavy sea or sharp turn, they can heel up to 40 from the vertical. It is not particularly uncomfortable, and does not tend to cause motion sickness. However, it does make activities like eating meals potentially exciting. And for us that evening, more than once the s.h.i.+p took rolls steep enough to force us to grab hold of plates and serving dishes. In a heavy sea or sharp turn, they can heel up to 40 from the vertical. It is not particularly uncomfortable, and does not tend to cause motion sickness. However, it does make activities like eating meals potentially exciting. And for us that evening, more than once the s.h.i.+p took rolls steep enough to force us to grab hold of plates and serving dishes.

After dinner, we were given a tour of the engineering departments and combat center. While Normandy Normandy is almost ten years old (she was commissioned in 1989) and coming to the end of her second five-year operating period, she is in terrific shape. In fact, I was amazed how well her crew has maintained her. Everything was spotless, even the deck corners; and all the sensor and combat systems were "up" and ready for action. is almost ten years old (she was commissioned in 1989) and coming to the end of her second five-year operating period, she is in terrific shape. In fact, I was amazed how well her crew has maintained her. Everything was spotless, even the deck corners; and all the sensor and combat systems were "up" and ready for action.

Normandy is representative of the "Baseline 3" is representative of the "Baseline 3" Ticos, Ticos, with improved lightweight SPY-1B radars (each Aegis s.h.i.+p has four of these) and new computers. Following the 1997/98 cruise, she will head into the yard for a major overhaul, which will completely update her Aegis combat system to the latest version. When she comes out of the yard sometime in 1999, she will be equipped with the new SM-2 Block 4 SAM, which will give her an ability to engage and destroy theater ballistic missiles (TBMs). Eventually, the entire fleet of Aegis cruisers and destroyers will have this capability, which will greatly reduce the risks from enemy TBMs to our forward-deployed forces. Today, the crew of the with improved lightweight SPY-1B radars (each Aegis s.h.i.+p has four of these) and new computers. Following the 1997/98 cruise, she will head into the yard for a major overhaul, which will completely update her Aegis combat system to the latest version. When she comes out of the yard sometime in 1999, she will be equipped with the new SM-2 Block 4 SAM, which will give her an ability to engage and destroy theater ballistic missiles (TBMs). Eventually, the entire fleet of Aegis cruisers and destroyers will have this capability, which will greatly reduce the risks from enemy TBMs to our forward-deployed forces. Today, the crew of the Normandy Normandy and the Aegis destroyer and the Aegis destroyer Carney Carney were simulating some of the engagement techniques that will be part of that future capability. were simulating some of the engagement techniques that will be part of that future capability.

After the tour, I headed down to the commodore's stateroom and sleep. John and I were scheduled to return to the GW GW in the morning, as we had been hearing rumors that the "hot war" part of the JTFEX scenario might start within a day or two. I had wanted to be aboard the in the morning, as we had been hearing rumors that the "hot war" part of the JTFEX scenario might start within a day or two. I had wanted to be aboard the GW GW when that happened in order to have the best possible view of the start of the hostilities. As it happened, things didn't work out according to schedule-to our great good fortune, for we ended up experiencing the most interesting day of the exercise. when that happened in order to have the best possible view of the start of the hostilities. As it happened, things didn't work out according to schedule-to our great good fortune, for we ended up experiencing the most interesting day of the exercise.

Sat.u.r.day, August 23rd, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 6: The Koronan government today continued to pressure Kartuna by test firing several SCUD ballistic missiles on their test range. This is seen as a sign that they are bringing their theater ballistic missile combat units to a high state of combat readiness. In addition, the Koronan fleet has been surged out of their ports, and is currently moving into position to track and trail the Coalition Naval forces ma.s.sing in the Gulf of Sabani. Meanwhile, elements of the 24th MEU (SOC) and Guam ARG have commenced their NEO of the American emba.s.sy compound in Temal. It is expected that this operation will be completed early on the morning of August 24th.

By Sat.u.r.day morning, much had happened in JTFEX 97-3. Overnight, the Normandy Normandy and the other escorts had rejoined the and the other escorts had rejoined the GW, GW, and the combined battle group had entered the northern end of the Gulf of Sabani. Pa.s.sing by the (imaginary) Willo and Hirt Islands, the group turned south into the Gulf to support the and the combined battle group had entered the northern end of the Gulf of Sabani. Pa.s.sing by the (imaginary) Willo and Hirt Islands, the group turned south into the Gulf to support the Guam Guam ARG/24th MEU (SOC) in their NEO of endangered personnel from Kartuna. ARG/24th MEU (SOC) in their NEO of endangered personnel from Kartuna.

Meanwhile, the USACOM J-7 exercise leaders were working hard on the "flex" part of the scenario, trying to bait Admiral Mullen and his commanders into actions that would cause hostilities to break out immediately. For the admiral and his staff, their job was to keep a "lid" on the scenario for as long as possible-important in the light of the NEO the 24th MEU (SOC) which had begun in the predawn hours. Here was to be the "eyeball-to-eyeball" phase of the exercise, simulating the "short-of-war" realities that our commanders would face in an actual crisis. Even though this was a training exercise, you could feel the tension of the emerging situation. Everyone in the battle group knew that they were being evaluated for their readiness to go into a potential combat situation during JTFEX 97-3, and n.o.body wanted to let the rest of the force down.

All around the battle group, s.h.i.+ps from the Atlantic Fleet were being used to simulate Koronan Naval vessels in an "aggressor" role. And numerous other s.h.i.+ps were simulating neutral s.h.i.+pping traffic, trying to get clear of the emerging fracas, or to get one more cargo run in before the "war" started. The final proof that the "hot" phase of the exercise was about to begin arrived on a UH-46 transport helicopter's morning run in the form of the Normandy's Normandy's SOOT team representative. This was Captain James W. Phillips, the CO of the Aegis cruiser SOOT team representative. This was Captain James W. Phillips, the CO of the Aegis cruiser Vella Gulf Vella Gulf (CG-72), who had come aboard to observe the proceedings and to evaluate the performance of Captain Deppe and his crew during the exercise. Captain Phillips is a courtly gentleman who quickly attached himself to Jim Deppe, and they were soon chatting away like two old friends working out the best place to catch a prize ba.s.s. But you only had to look out a porthole of the (CG-72), who had come aboard to observe the proceedings and to evaluate the performance of Captain Deppe and his crew during the exercise. Captain Phillips is a courtly gentleman who quickly attached himself to Jim Deppe, and they were soon chatting away like two old friends working out the best place to catch a prize ba.s.s. But you only had to look out a porthole of the Normandy' Normandy's wardroom during breakfast to see that the game afoot in this pond beat the h.e.l.l out of any fis.h.i.+ng you might find ash.o.r.e.

Things were about to get very interesting in this little patch of the Gulf of Sabani. About 1,000 yards/914 meters off the starboard beam, a Normandy Normandy whaleboat was taking a maritime inspection team to the frigate whaleboat was taking a maritime inspection team to the frigate Samuel Elliot Morrison Samuel Elliot Morrison (FFG-13), which was currently playing the part of a neutral merchant s.h.i.+p. Breakfast was hardly finished when the word came over that the frigate had a real casualty who needed to be evacuated back to the mainland, an action that caused a problem for John and myself. The diagnosis was hepat.i.tis, and the patient was being transported over in the whaleboat with a corpsman. (FFG-13), which was currently playing the part of a neutral merchant s.h.i.+p. Breakfast was hardly finished when the word came over that the frigate had a real casualty who needed to be evacuated back to the mainland, an action that caused a problem for John and myself. The diagnosis was hepat.i.tis, and the patient was being transported over in the whaleboat with a corpsman.

With only a single HS-11 sortie scheduled to fly from Normandy Normandy to to GW GW that day, this meant that the casualty and corpsman would take our places on the Seahawk, and we would have to wait another day or two to return to the carrier. Captain Deppe made it clear that he would do his best to get us back as soon as possible. And besides, he went on to say, there was plenty of room for us aboard, and since it was Sat.u.r.day in the "real" world, it would be pizza night on the that day, this meant that the casualty and corpsman would take our places on the Seahawk, and we would have to wait another day or two to return to the carrier. Captain Deppe made it clear that he would do his best to get us back as soon as possible. And besides, he went on to say, there was plenty of room for us aboard, and since it was Sat.u.r.day in the "real" world, it would be pizza night on the Normandy. Normandy. Since Since Normandy Normandy had one of the best galleys in the Atlantic Fleet, this sounded like making the best of a bad situation. had one of the best galleys in the Atlantic Fleet, this sounded like making the best of a bad situation.

After the HS-11 Seahawk arrived and collected the casualty and corpsman, the s.h.i.+p pa.s.sed into a comfortable high-pressure zone, which had the effect of dropping the temperature to a refres.h.i.+ng 80 F/27 C, and drying out the air to a sparkling clarity. Visibility became almost unlimited, with line-of-sight ranges running to almost 30,000 yards/27,400 meters. It soon became the most beautiful day I'd seen in months, with a flat calm sea and almost no wind. Meanwhile, the "bubble" of visible s.p.a.ce around us had become crowded with s.h.i.+ps.

Later that afternoon, around 1600 (4 P.M.), as I stood on the helicopter platform aft, I noticed something strange. One of the nearby s.h.i.+ps suddenly closed from astern to around 2,000 yards/1,828 meters, and tried to move around us, much as a car tries to pa.s.s a truck on an interstate highway. A moment later, I felt the deck shudder underneath my feet, and heard the sharp whine of the Normandy's Normandy's four LM-2500 gas turbines going to full power. In just seconds the cruiser jumped from twelve to thirty knots, and Captain Deppe radically cut in front of the other s.h.i.+p, blocking the pa.s.s. Somewhat dazzled by this maneuver, I looked aft at the other vessel, a four LM-2500 gas turbines going to full power. In just seconds the cruiser jumped from twelve to thirty knots, and Captain Deppe radically cut in front of the other s.h.i.+p, blocking the pa.s.s. Somewhat dazzled by this maneuver, I looked aft at the other vessel, a Spruance- Spruance-cla.s.s destroyer that I initially expected to be the USS John Rodgers John Rodgers (DD-983) from our battle group. But then I noticed that this (DD-983) from our battle group. But then I noticed that this Spruance Spruance did not have the ASROC launcher of the did not have the ASROC launcher of the John Rodgers, John Rodgers, and a quick glance at her pennant number confirmed my suspicions. It was the USS and a quick glance at her pennant number confirmed my suspicions. It was the USS Nicholson Nicholson (DD-982)-a VLS-equipped (DD-982)-a VLS-equipped Spruance Spruance simulating a Koronan simulating a Koronan Kas.h.i.+n- Kas.h.i.+n-cla.s.s guided-missile destroyer. Clearly the JTFEX 97-3 scenario was growing hotter. John and I headed forward to the bridge at a dead run to find out what was going on.

As we arrived on the port bridge wing, I saw the Nicholson Nicholson trying to slip up our beam. Over at the edge of the bridge were Captains Deppe and Phillips, watching intently as the destroyer maneuvered. At the same time, the TBS (Talk Between s.h.i.+p) radio circuit came alive with traffic from all around the battle group. Two frigates simulating Koronan guided-missile gunboats were maneuvering aggressively. Looking to one of the young lieutenants, I asked, "What the h.e.l.l is going on?" trying to slip up our beam. Over at the edge of the bridge were Captains Deppe and Phillips, watching intently as the destroyer maneuvered. At the same time, the TBS (Talk Between s.h.i.+p) radio circuit came alive with traffic from all around the battle group. Two frigates simulating Koronan guided-missile gunboats were maneuvering aggressively. Looking to one of the young lieutenants, I asked, "What the h.e.l.l is going on?"

"They're playing chicken," he said, "like the Russians." The remark was like a trip through time for me.

Back in the Cold War, the s.h.i.+ps and submarines of the Soviet Navy used to trail our CVBGs the way Nicholson Nicholson was doing. This was a favorite tactic of the late Admiral Sergei Gorshkov (the longtime chief of the Soviet Navy), and took advantage of the "freedom of navigation" rules accorded s.h.i.+ps on the high seas. The idea was to maneuver for a clear line of sight to the carrier the way they'd do just before the outbreak of a real conflict. In the "first salvo" of that war, the s.h.i.+ps and subs would fire their missiles, torpedoes, and guns and attempt to put the flattop out of action. The only way to defeat this threat was for our own escort s.h.i.+ps to maneuver aggressively, physically placing themselves between the enemy s.h.i.+ps and the carrier. At times, vessels of both sides would actually "b.u.mp." Such aggressive maneuvering now and then increased tensions between the superpowers. was doing. This was a favorite tactic of the late Admiral Sergei Gorshkov (the longtime chief of the Soviet Navy), and took advantage of the "freedom of navigation" rules accorded s.h.i.+ps on the high seas. The idea was to maneuver for a clear line of sight to the carrier the way they'd do just before the outbreak of a real conflict. In the "first salvo" of that war, the s.h.i.+ps and subs would fire their missiles, torpedoes, and guns and attempt to put the flattop out of action. The only way to defeat this threat was for our own escort s.h.i.+ps to maneuver aggressively, physically placing themselves between the enemy s.h.i.+ps and the carrier. At times, vessels of both sides would actually "b.u.mp." Such aggressive maneuvering now and then increased tensions between the superpowers.78 We used to call it "Cowboys and Russians," and I had thought that it was a thing of the past. 1 was clearly wrong. We used to call it "Cowboys and Russians," and I had thought that it was a thing of the past. 1 was clearly wrong.

Though it's not publicized by the U.S. Navy, the tactic of interposing an escort s.h.i.+p between an opponent and the carrier is still practiced; it resembles the "ha.s.sling" that fighter pilots engage in to keep themselves sharp. But "dogfighting" with billion-dollar cruisers and destroyers is riskier. Clearly the USACOM training staff wanted to stress Admiral Mullen and his staff into a situation where the Koronan forces could claim a provocation and initiate hostilities while the 24th MEU (SOC) was still conducting their NEO in Temal. The challenge was clear. If a Koronan s.h.i.+p was able to draw a line-of-sight bead on the GW, then the escorts would be required to "fire" on the offending vessel to keep the flattop safe. At the same time, because GW GW was conducting flight operations, there was very little Captain Rutheford could do to help combat the intruders. was conducting flight operations, there was very little Captain Rutheford could do to help combat the intruders.

The destroyer USS Nicholson Nicholson (DD-982), during her maneuvering duel with the USS (DD-982), during her maneuvering duel with the USS Normandy Normandy (CG-60). (CG-60).

JOHN D. GRESHAM.

[image]

For the next few hours, it would be up to the "small boys" of the battle group to keep the Koronan missile s.h.i.+ps at bay. Clearly, the Normandy's Normandy's Sat.u.r.day night pizza tradition was about to go on hold for a while. Captain Deppe, immediately grasping the challenge, went to the task with a grin on his face. Opportunities were rare to maneuver his s.h.i.+p to its limits against a fellow skipper in an almost perfectly matched s.h.i.+p. This was just such a chance. Although there are clear exercise rules about how close opposing combatants are allowed to approach, these rules were about to be bent. In fact, the only rule seemed to be: Don't actually Sat.u.r.day night pizza tradition was about to go on hold for a while. Captain Deppe, immediately grasping the challenge, went to the task with a grin on his face. Opportunities were rare to maneuver his s.h.i.+p to its limits against a fellow skipper in an almost perfectly matched s.h.i.+p. This was just such a chance. Although there are clear exercise rules about how close opposing combatants are allowed to approach, these rules were about to be bent. In fact, the only rule seemed to be: Don't actually touch touch the other guy! the other guy!

The next few hours went by very quickly, as we parried and thrusted with the Nicholson. Nicholson. The captain of the The captain of the Nicholson Nicholson (Commander Craig E. Langman) was extremely aggressive, doing everything he could to get past us. He never succeeded. Captain Deppe maneuvered the (Commander Craig E. Langman) was extremely aggressive, doing everything he could to get past us. He never succeeded. Captain Deppe maneuvered the Normandy Normandy like a Formula I racing car, keeping the destroyer solidly away from the flattop. At times we raced ahead at over thirty knots, only to crash-stop within a s.h.i.+p length or two. Then we might sit for ten or fifteen minutes, with just a thousand yards or so separating the two vessels. Suddenly, the like a Formula I racing car, keeping the destroyer solidly away from the flattop. At times we raced ahead at over thirty knots, only to crash-stop within a s.h.i.+p length or two. Then we might sit for ten or fifteen minutes, with just a thousand yards or so separating the two vessels. Suddenly, the Nicholson Nicholson would jam on the speed, and the maneuvering would begin again. Each time, Captain Deppe would match his counterpart move-for-move. At times the would jam on the speed, and the maneuvering would begin again. Each time, Captain Deppe would match his counterpart move-for-move. At times the Normandy Normandy would heel as much as 40, and you could hear the sounds of pizza pans and crockery hitting the deck back in the galley. Other times, it would be a race to see if the would heel as much as 40, and you could hear the sounds of pizza pans and crockery hitting the deck back in the galley. Other times, it would be a race to see if the Nicholson Nicholson could inch ahead just a little, followed by a radical turn to try to gain position. could inch ahead just a little, followed by a radical turn to try to gain position.

It wasn't until sometime after 2000 (8 P.M.) that the Nicholson Nicholson and the other two Koronan intruders finally turned away, and the jousting was over. As Captain Deppe ordered the engines throttled back and began to con the and the other two Koronan intruders finally turned away, and the jousting was over. As Captain Deppe ordered the engines throttled back and began to con the Normandy Normandy to her a.s.signed position in the defense screen, Admiral Mullen's voice came up on the TBS circuit. For several minutes, the admiral commented on the performance of each s.h.i.+p in the screen, after which he paid a glowing compliment to the skippers of the three escorts that had fended off the Koronan wars.h.i.+ps. After his hearty "Well done," you could feel the tension ease around the s.h.i.+p. Though we did not know it at the time, the to her a.s.signed position in the defense screen, Admiral Mullen's voice came up on the TBS circuit. For several minutes, the admiral commented on the performance of each s.h.i.+p in the screen, after which he paid a glowing compliment to the skippers of the three escorts that had fended off the Koronan wars.h.i.+ps. After his hearty "Well done," you could feel the tension ease around the s.h.i.+p. Though we did not know it at the time, the GW GW battle group had pa.s.sed a significant test; they had bought two more days of "peace" for the Kartunans and their coalition allies. battle group had pa.s.sed a significant test; they had bought two more days of "peace" for the Kartunans and their coalition allies.

Aboard the Normandy, Normandy, life began to settle back to normal. Down in the galleys, the mess specialists salvaged what they could of the pizzas they would serve at mid-rats. Though the 2300 (11 P.M.) feeding was heavy that night, many of the officers and crew chose to just hit their racks and grab some sleep instead. These were the veterans, who knew that what they had seen today was only the beginning of what could be another two weeks of "combat." Those with less experience and more adrenaline munched on thick-crust pan pizza, and chatted about the terrific s.h.i.+p-handling Captain Deppe had shown the entire battle group that day. As I lingered over a piece of the baked pie, I answered a question that had been in my mind for some time: Since the end of the Cold War, the surface forces of the USN have not had a serious enemy. Such a condition can breed complacency and lead to "sloppy" habits in commanders and crews. Jim Deppe's performance on the bridge of the life began to settle back to normal. Down in the galleys, the mess specialists salvaged what they could of the pizzas they would serve at mid-rats. Though the 2300 (11 P.M.) feeding was heavy that night, many of the officers and crew chose to just hit their racks and grab some sleep instead. These were the veterans, who knew that what they had seen today was only the beginning of what could be another two weeks of "combat." Those with less experience and more adrenaline munched on thick-crust pan pizza, and chatted about the terrific s.h.i.+p-handling Captain Deppe had shown the entire battle group that day. As I lingered over a piece of the baked pie, I answered a question that had been in my mind for some time: Since the end of the Cold War, the surface forces of the USN have not had a serious enemy. Such a condition can breed complacency and lead to "sloppy" habits in commanders and crews. Jim Deppe's performance on the bridge of the Normandy Normandy this Sat.u.r.day evening convinced me that this Sat.u.r.day evening convinced me that our our surface Navy still has "the right stuff." surface Navy still has "the right stuff."

Sunday, August 24th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 7: The 24th MEU (SOC) completed their NEO early today, and is evacuating the civilians to a neutral location. The aggressive actions of Koronan Naval forces yesterday have been reported to the UN Security Council, which has issued an additional resolution allowing expanded use of force in the event of further hara.s.sment. The only Koronan government response has been additional mobilization of their military forces.

The morning after the game of "Cowboys and Russians" dawned humid, overcast, and stormy. I awoke to a knock on my door from a chief petty officer at 0600 (6 A.M.). He informed me that the captain had arranged for a UH-46 VERTREP helicopter to pick up us and shuttle us over to the GW. Quickly showering and packing up my bag, I met John in the wardroom for breakfast, and we discussed our plans for returning to the carrier. Since the helicopter was due overhead at 1000 hours (10 A.M.), I took the time to go up to the bridge and thank Captain Deppe for his hospitality. Afterward, on my way down, I ran into Captain Phillips, who confirmed my own thoughts about the previous night's proceedings. He had noted Normandy's Normandy's impressive performance in his report to the SOOT team leader aboard the command s.h.i.+p impressive performance in his report to the SOOT team leader aboard the command s.h.i.+p Mount Whitney. Mount Whitney. "Keep an eye out for things to break tomorrow," he added slyly. Armed with this information, John and I collected our bags, and then headed aft to the helicopter hangar to await our ride back to the "Keep an eye out for things to break tomorrow," he added slyly. Armed with this information, John and I collected our bags, and then headed aft to the helicopter hangar to await our ride back to the GW. GW.

At the hangar, a chief handed us float coats and cranial helmets, and gave us a quick safety briefing on the Sea Knight. And then at the appointed time, the UH-46 set down gently on the Normandy's Normandy's helicopter pad. The big twin-rotor Sea Knight was a tight fit on the small landing platform, and you could see the deck personnel carefully watching the clearance between the rotor blades and the superstructure. We quickly boarded the bird and strapped into our seats. Two minutes later, the crew b.u.t.toned up the UH-46 and lifted off into the overcast. The ride back to the GW took about fifteen minutes. helicopter pad. The big twin-rotor Sea Knight was a tight fit on the small landing platform, and you could see the deck personnel carefully watching the clearance between the rotor blades and the superstructure. We quickly boarded the bird and strapped into our seats. Two minutes later, the crew b.u.t.toned up the UH-46 and lifted off into the overcast. The ride back to the GW took about fifteen minutes.

In the ATO office, Lieutenant Navritril had good news for John. Since many of the VIPs, contractors, and other extra s.h.i.+p riders had flown home, he would now get to occupy a two-man stateroom up on the O-2 level near mine. He also let us know that the Challenge Athena link was working well, which meant that we could expect to see one of the opening-day NFL football games the following Sunday. "So take it easy," he told us, "and relax the rest of the day." Both of us gratefully took him up on this suggestion, and retired to our staterooms for a little "down" time. If things got "hot" on Monday, I wanted to be ready.

Monday, August 25th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 8: At dawn this morning, the armed forces of Korona began a general invasion of the Kartunan homeland. Elements of every branch of the Koronan military are involved, and have been identified, and are rapidly overrunning the country. The UN Security Council, the U.S. government, and the government of all coalition allies have condemned this action. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has voted a number of resolutions, including one which encouraged "use of all necessary and appropriate force" to halt the aggression.

As soon as word of the invasion reached him, Admiral Mullen initiated a revised ROE, and put into effect the attack plans that he and his staff had been working on since we had sailed. One of his first acts was to activate Captain Deppe's fleet air defense plan. With Deppe designated as "Alpha Whiskey" (AW-the fleet AAW commander), the three SAM s.h.i.+ps were spread through the area to fully cover all the high-value units. The Normandy Normandy would stay close to the GW, while the would stay close to the GW, while the South Carolina South Carolina would move closer to the would move closer to the Guam Guam ARG (the superior over-land performance of her missile radar directors gave her better insh.o.r.e characteristics than those of the Aegis s.h.i.+ps). The ARG (the superior over-land performance of her missile radar directors gave her better insh.o.r.e characteristics than those of the Aegis s.h.i.+ps). The Carney Carney would act as a "missile trap," and work as the AAW "utility infielder" for the fleet. She would stay "up threat" of the main fleet, and do her best to break up any air attacks from Koronan air units. would act as a "missile trap," and work as the AAW "utility infielder" for the fleet. She would stay "up threat" of the main fleet, and do her best to break up any air attacks from Koronan air units.

This day would see the opening of the air campaign (which would follow the model set forth during Desert Storm). Today's air and missile strikes were designed to eliminate the Koronan ability to hurt the coalition fleet; CVW-1 would destroy the Koronan air defense system, air force, and navy, while Tomahawk cruise-missile strikes from the Normandy, Normandy, the the Carney, Carney, and the submarines would decapitate the Koronan command and control network. It was a good plan. Still, the key to making a plan work is to keep it flexible enough to respond to any countermeasures that an enemy might respond with. This meant getting the TARPS F-14's of VF-102 into the air to sweep the Gulf of Sabani, Kartuna, and Korona for targets worthy of CVW-1's attentions. With only four TARPS-capable F-14's, and whatever satellite imagery that could be downloaded from the Challenge Athena system, the battle group intelligence would be half-blind. Luckily, they would also have the services of the three VQ-6 ES-3's, giving them "ears" to supplement their eyes. and the submarines would decapitate the Koronan command and control network. It was a good plan. Still, the key to making a plan work is to keep it flexible enough to respond to any countermeasures that an enemy might respond with. This meant getting the TARPS F-14's of VF-102 into the air to sweep the Gulf of Sabani, Kartuna, and Korona for targets worthy of CVW-1's attentions. With only four TARPS-capable F-14's, and whatever satellite imagery that could be downloaded from the Challenge Athena system, the battle group intelligence would be half-blind. Luckily, they would also have the services of the three VQ-6 ES-3's, giving them "ears" to supplement their eyes.

This day launched the entire group into wartime operating conditions; they would stay that way until the End Exercise (ENDEX) time, sometime the following week.

Tuesday, August 26th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 9: The Koronan military forces, continuing their invasion of Kartuna, claim to have taken control of more than half the country, and have flown numerous missions against the coalition air and Naval forces in the Gulf of Sabani (with results that are currently not known) . Meanwhile, the coalition forces, based around the carrier USS George Was.h.i.+ngton (CVN-73) and her battle group have begun counterattacks against the Koronan invaders.

One of the first things you get used to aboard an aircraft carrier is you never find total quiet. Down below, you hear the machinery noises that are the heart and lungs of the s.h.i.+p. As you rise through the decks, the noises of the flight deck begin to make themselves heard, until you reach the O-2 level, where the "airport" is on your roof. Surprisingly, you can even sleep through all the noises of the catapults firing, arresting wires straining, the tailhooks and landing gear slamming into the deck, and the jet noise coming through the armored steel deck over your head. After a while the noises blend into one another and you just sleep in spite of it all.

A young Navy maintenance technician works on an HS-11 helicopter in the hangar bay of the USS George Was.h.i.+ngton George Was.h.i.+ngton (CVN-73). (CVN-73).

JOHN D. GRESHAM.

[image]

On this second day of the "war," I wandered around the s.h.i.+p to get a sense of how the young men and women who were doing most of the work were handling both their work and what leisure was available to them. Down on the hangar deck, for example, I witnessed some amazing mechanical and technical exploits. Jet engines weighing five tons were changed with less than a yard's clearance between aircraft. Kids who don't look old enough to own a "boom box" back home handled million-dollar "black boxes." Sweat, oil, jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, metal shavings, and salt air all mixed into a pungent smell that says only one thing: You're in an aircraft carrier hangar bay. This is a land ruled not so much by the s.h.i.+p's officers, as by those mythic people who hold the naval service together-the chiefs.

In the Navy, there is a saying that officers make decisions and the chiefs make things happen. It's true. Here on the hangar deck, the bulk of the maintenance and repair work is done by senior enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers (NCOs), who spend their days (and frequently nights) putting back into working order the aircraft that officers go out and break. Any machine, no matter how robust and well built, will eventually break or fail if used long enough. It therefore falls to these unsung heroes of naval aviation to do the dirty and not very well rewarded work of keeping the airplanes flying. How do the taxpayers of the United States reward these dedicated young people? While the pay of enlisted/NCO personnel has slipped a bit in the last few years (by comparison with what the average civilian earns), it is still light-years ahead of the near-poverty level of the 1970's. In fact, the Congress has recently voted a small pay raise, and it should be in pay envelopes by the time you read this.

As for accommodations, well, as we've already seen, don't expect a four-star hotel. With 90% of the crew made up of enlisted/NCO personnel, so-called "personal s.p.a.ce" for non-officers is almost absurdly lacking. Most enlisted and NCO berthing is made up of six-man bunk/stowage units, with an attacked locker unit. Each person has an individual bunk, bunk pan, and locker. Each bunk has a reading light, privacy curtain, and fresh-air duct, all packed into a s.p.a.ce about the size of a good-sized coffin. The six-man modules are grouped into berthing s.p.a.ces, which share a communal head/shower, as well as a small open area equipped with a television, table, and chairs. Normally, when you walk through these s.p.a.ces, red battle lamps (to preserve night vision) illuminate the area and allow those off their work s.h.i.+fts to get some sleep. In the common areas there's usually a television going and someone is probably ironing their clothes.

[image]

The officers' mess in Wardroom 3 aboard USS George Was.h.i.+ngton George Was.h.i.+ngton (CVN-73) (CVN-73) JOHN D. GRESHAM.

The Navy, recognizing the necessary shortcomings of the personal accommodations, does what it can to make up for that by giving naval personnel the finest food money can buy. It's not fancy, tending toward good, basic chow, but the mess specialists work hard to throw in favorites like pizza, stir-fry, or Mexican dishes several times a week. In addition, the diet.i.tians try to keep food relatively low in fat by offering fresh vegetables and salads whenever possible. For the enlisted sailors, meals are usually served cafeteria-style in the large serving area forward of Wardroom 3. One of the largest open s.p.a.ces in the s.h.i.+p, this is the central focus of the enlisted personnel aboard s.h.i.+p. Here they can eat, talk, attend a cla.s.s, play a video game, and perhaps escape the routine for a little while. There are also other diversions.

Workout facilities are located here and there throughout the s.h.i.+p. These have become extremely popular in recent years, as the "hardbody" culture has become fas.h.i.+onable. For more serious fitness enthusiasts, there are exercise and aerobic cla.s.ses held on the hangar deck several times a day, as well as a jogging group that makes the circuit of the flight deck, weather and flight operations permitting. The s.h.i.+p's cable television system normally broadcasts over six channels from a small studio on the O-1 level under the island. Run by a technical team under Lieutenant Joe Navritril, it shows movies, news, s.h.i.+p's bulletins, and other programming. There is also a small cable radio station, which broadcasts an "eclectic" mix of rock and roll, blues, and jazz. A four-page newspaper, The Guardian, The Guardian, comes out every day at lunch. It is a delightful mix of news from "the world," as well as more topical pieces relating to daily life aboard the comes out every day at lunch. It is a delightful mix of news from "the world," as well as more topical pieces relating to daily life aboard the GW. GW. Finally, movies (complete with bags of popcorn) and VCRs can be rented for off-duty video parties back in enlisted berthing areas. Finally, movies (complete with bags of popcorn) and VCRs can be rented for off-duty video parties back in enlisted berthing areas.

An innovation made possible by the Challenge Athena system is personal E-mail over the Internet for everyone on board. This is handled through the s.h.i.+p's own onboard Intranet, which feeds into a central file server. Each person is a.s.signed an E-mail account and address (aboard the GW, this ends with the suffix @was.h.i.+ngton.navy.mil). @was.h.i.+ngton.navy.mil). The messages are then routed through the server and Challenge Athena system to and from the Atlantic Fleet communications center in Norfolk, Virginia. This means that everyone on the s.h.i.+p with access to a computer (some are in common areas in kiosks for those who do not have personal laptops or office machines) can receive E-mail messages from home. Already, it is changing the face of s.h.i.+pboard life. The messages are then routed through the server and Challenge Athena system to and from the Atlantic Fleet communications center in Norfolk, Virginia. This means that everyone on the s.h.i.+p with access to a computer (some are in common areas in kiosks for those who do not have personal laptops or office machines) can receive E-mail messages from home. Already, it is changing the face of s.h.i.+pboard life.

For example, the three thousand sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious s.h.i.+p Peleliu Peleliu (part of the (part of the Nimitz Nimitz battle group, which deployed from the West Coast a month before the GW CVBG) sent over fifty thousand E-mail messages in just their first month under way! The effect on crew morale has been astounding. The arrival of Naval E-mail has come none too soon for our sailors, since the old Navy draw-"Join the Navy and See the World"-has become all but obsolete. Over the last decade, the s.h.i.+ps of our battle groups have made less than half of the port calls on deployment that they used to make. This means that seeing foreign countries, long a recruiting attraction, has been almost eliminated. Ever since the 1979 Iran Crisis, long (ninety-plus days) line periods have become the norm for CVBGs, and this has been tough on crew morale. battle group, which deployed from the West Coast a month before the GW CVBG) sent over fifty thousand E-mail messages in just their first month under way! The effect on crew morale has been astounding. The arrival of Naval E-mail has come none too soon for our sailors, since the old Navy draw-"Join the Navy and See the World"-has become all but obsolete. Over the last decade, the s.h.i.+ps of our battle groups have made less than half of the port calls on deployment that they used to make. This means that seeing foreign countries, long a recruiting attraction, has been almost eliminated. Ever since the 1979 Iran Crisis, long (ninety-plus days) line periods have become the norm for CVBGs, and this has been tough on crew morale.

Wednesday, August 27th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 10: The military forces of Korona have today completed their occupation of Kartuna, including the capital city of Temal. The last elements of the Kartunan government evacuated to the country of Telari, which today announced its joining of the Allied coalition. Meanwhile, the coalition forces have been stepping up their attacks on Koronan military targets, reportedly inflicting heavy damage. The battle continues....

This morning found the GW GW battle group continuing to dish out punishment on the Koronans. The objective was to destroy enough of their armed forces to allow the Marines of the 24th MEU (SOC) to make a landing near the Kartunan capital city of Temal (in actuality, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina) sometime the following week. A battalion from the 82nd Airborne Division a.s.saulting a nearby airfield would support this landing. This would allow follow-on forces to be landed from the sea and air. battle group continuing to dish out punishment on the Koronans. The objective was to destroy enough of their armed forces to allow the Marines of the 24th MEU (SOC) to make a landing near the Kartunan capital city of Temal (in actuality, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina) sometime the following week. A battalion from the 82nd Airborne Division a.s.saulting a nearby airfield would support this landing. This would allow follow-on forces to be landed from the sea and air.

Before this could be done, the Koronan forces would have to be reduced in size and power, and this was the job of the s.h.i.+ps, missiles, and aircraft of the GW GW group. Already, significant progress had been made toward this goal. Though Koronan air and Naval forces had aggressively launched attacks on the naval units of the allied coalition, Admiral Mullen's detailed plans for protecting the s.h.i.+ps of the force had been working to near perfection. Throughout the battle group, the various warfare commanders had been working hard to eliminate the specialized threats they were responsible for. group. Already, significant progress had been made toward this goal. Though Koronan air and Naval forces had aggressively launched attacks on the naval units of the allied coalition, Admiral Mullen's detailed plans for protecting the s.h.i.+ps of the force had been working to near perfection. Throughout the battle group, the various warfare commanders had been working hard to eliminate the specialized threats they were responsible for.

Captain Deppe on the Normandy Normandy (the group AW commander) had been especially busy in dozens of AAW engagements between his SAM s.h.i.+ps and the planes of the Koronan Air Force. Deppe's disposition of his SAM s.h.i.+ps had worked particularly well, with the (the group AW commander) had been especially busy in dozens of AAW engagements between his SAM s.h.i.+ps and the planes of the Koronan Air Force. Deppe's disposition of his SAM s.h.i.+ps had worked particularly well, with the Normandy Normandy absorbing most of the attacks aimed at the absorbing most of the attacks aimed at the GW. GW. The The Carney Carney and and South Carolina South Carolina also shot down their share of enemy intruders, with the result that the USACOM exercise controllers rapidly had to strengthen the Koronan Air Force, lest it be completely destroyed before the shooting phase of the exercise was only three days old. Once again, the J-7 controllers from USACOM were being forced to "ratchet up" the threat level of the exercise, just to keep it challenging for the GW group. also shot down their share of enemy intruders, with the result that the USACOM exercise controllers rapidly had to strengthen the Koronan Air Force, lest it be completely destroyed before the shooting phase of the exercise was only three days old. Once again, the J-7 controllers from USACOM were being forced to "ratchet up" the threat level of the exercise, just to keep it challenging for the GW group.

"Give me a fast s.h.i.+p for I intend to go into harm's way!'"

Captain John Paul Jones, Continental Navy

The Koronan Navy was put out of action equally fast. Because safe distances had to be maintained between the Koronan KILO-cla.s.s diesel boats (being played by borrowed USN nuclear submarines) and the s.h.i.+ps and subs of the GW group, exercise rules tended to make them sitting ducks. The Koronan surface s.h.i.+ps died a little harder, though they did die quickly. Within hours of the outbreak of hostilities, every one of the Koronan missile destroyers and patrol boats had been hunted down and dispatched by the allied forces. Sometimes, their elimination came at the hands of aircraft firing standoff missiles like AGM-65 Mavericks and AGM-84 Harpoons. Particularly effective against the missile patrol boats were SH-60B LAMPS III helicopters from the escorts armed with AGM-119 Penguin air-to-surface missiles (ASMs). Using these little helicopters as perimeter security guards proved to be an efficient way of keeping the Koronan patrol boats at arm's length, without requiring a mission by an F/A-18 or S-3B to kill them.

There were also a number of surface engagements by s.h.i.+ps of the GW GW escort and STANAFORLANT-not all going in favor of the allied coalition. In just a single day of surface combat, hits by simulated Koronan missiles (a.s.sumed to be Chinese-built C 802's) damaged the escort and STANAFORLANT-not all going in favor of the allied coalition. In just a single day of surface combat, hits by simulated Koronan missiles (a.s.sumed to be Chinese-built C 802's) damaged the Carney, Samuel Elliot Morrison, Carney, Samuel Elliot Morrison, and and Seattle, Seattle, putting them out of action (and the exercise) for various lengths of time. In addition, the putting them out of action (and the exercise) for various lengths of time. In addition, the Boone Boone was a.s.sessed to have been hit by Naval gunfire. In return, the was a.s.sessed to have been hit by Naval gunfire. In return, the Underwood Underwood and HMS and HMS London London were a.s.sessed to have sunk a Koronan missile patrol boat with RGM-84 Harpoon SSMs. Littoral Naval warfare is like knife fighting: close and b.l.o.o.d.y. However, by setting his units up to fight this way, Admiral Mullen was able to maximize the number of attack sorties that could be generated by CVW-1 off the GW. Though he risked his surface s.h.i.+ps, he got the desired results on the beach. were a.s.sessed to have sunk a Koronan missile patrol boat with RGM-84 Harpoon SSMs. Littoral Naval warfare is like knife fighting: close and b.l.o.o.d.y. However, by setting his units up to fight this way, Admiral Mullen was able to maximize the number of attack sorties that could be generated by CVW-1 off the GW. Though he risked his surface s.h.i.+ps, he got the desired results on the beach.

Thursday, August 28th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 11: There have been reports today of various atrocities by Koronan military forces against the population of Temal, the capital city of occupied Kartuna. In addition, it appears that the Koronan forces are digging in to protect their gains against a possible counter-invasion by Allied amphibious and airborne forces.

Ever since our sailing, Captain Rutheford had made a point of exercising his crew with a series of battle drills-a deadly serious business aboard any wars.h.i.+p, and particularly on an aircraft carrier. Most of the damage suffered by flattops in combat has come as a result of fire. It is the worst nightmare of carrier sailors, whose home is basically a big metal box full of jet fuel, explosives, and other combustible materials. Until a carrier like the GW is fully "b.u.t.toned up" (that is, put in a condition where it is most survivable), a fire can rage through it much like those that devastated the Oriskiney Oriskiney (CVA-34), (CVA-34), Forrestal Forrestal (CV-59), and (CV-59), and Enterprise Enterprise (CVN-65) back in the 1960's. b.u.t.toning up usually comes when the s.h.i.+p goes to "General Quarters" (GQ) or Condition "Zebra." Since it takes time for sailors to learn to live and work at GQ, Captain Rutheford makes a point of practicing it regularly. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 2000 Hours (8 P.M.) while under way, the GW goes to GQ for several hours of combat and damage-control drills. It is at GQ when a wars.h.i.+p truly becomes a living organism, with the personnel aboard acting as nerves, muscles, and immune systems, making it capable and strong. (CVN-65) back in the 1960's. b.u.t.toning up usually comes when the s.h.i.+p goes to "General Quarters" (GQ) or Condition "Zebra." Since it takes time for sailors to learn to live and work at GQ, Captain Rutheford makes a point of practicing it regularly. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 2000 Hours (8 P.M.) while under way, the GW goes to GQ for several hours of combat and damage-control drills. It is at GQ when a wars.h.i.+p truly becomes a living organism, with the personnel aboard acting as nerves, muscles, and immune systems, making it capable and strong.

It takes just a few minutes for the s.h.i.+p to get fully b.u.t.toned up and ready to take whatever punishment an enemy might care to dish out. Every person on the GW GW (even John and I) had an action station, where they are expected to be during GQ. So at 2000, we were manning our action station-a couple of desks inside Lieutenant Joe Navritril's small public affairs office on the O-1 level. From there we could sit, sweat a little (it's warm with all the computer and television gear), and listen to the drills around the s.h.i.+p. This evening, a firefighting training drill was going on several levels above us on the island. At the same time, weapons drills were being run with the Mk. 29 Sea Sparrow launchers. All around us, you could feel the crew bonding with the big s.h.i.+p, becoming as much a part of it as the nuclear reactors, plumbing, and catapults. It also is a time of great stress and concern, even during training. This is because the s.h.i.+p must still function while b.u.t.toned up. Moving from one compartment to another becomes difficult, as heavy hatches and watertight doors must be opened, and then redogged. There are chances for mistakes to be made, and this evening there was one. (even John and I) had an action station, where they are expected to be during GQ. So at 2000, we were manning our action station-a couple of desks inside Lieutenant Joe Navritril's small public affairs office on the O-1 level. From there we could sit, sweat a little (it's warm with all the computer and television gear), and listen to the drills around the s.h.i.+p. This evening, a firefighting training drill was going on several levels above us on the island. At the same time, weapons drills were being run with the Mk. 29 Sea Sparrow launchers. All around us, you could feel the crew bonding with the big s.h.i.+p, becoming as much a part of it as the nuclear reactors, plumbing, and catapults. It also is a time of great stress and concern, even during training. This is because the s.h.i.+p must still function while b.u.t.toned up. Moving from one compartment to another becomes difficult, as heavy hatches and watertight doors must be opened, and then redogged. There are chances for mistakes to be made, and this evening there was one.

One of the important jobs that must be done daily aboard s.h.i.+p is the testing of the various petroleum systems to make sure that their contents are pure and free of contamination like water or dirt. This evening, a young sailor was carrying several gla.s.s jars of samples down from the flight deck to the metrology lab for testing when he dropped one up on the O-2 level above us. Unfortunately, in the darkened compartment he lost track of the spill, and wound up slipping and falling in the slippery puddle. Almost instantly, there was an alarm over the 1MC system of "MAN DOWN!" and a call for a medical team. Within seconds the young sailor had a corpsman at his side, and a hazardous-materials team on the way to clean up the dangerous spill. I was struck by the way that the others in the compartment with John and me stopped what they were doing to wait for word on the young man, almost like waiting for a player to stand up after an injury at a football game. It was quiet for a few minutes, until Captain Rutheford came back on the 1MC to tell us that the sailor's injuries were slight (an injured wrist was all), and that the response teams had done a great job of taking care of him. As I stepped out of the public affairs office for a drink from the water fountain in the pa.s.sageway, I saw the young man being carried down the ladder from above on a Stokes litter, not unlike a dozen eggs being cradled by a housewife on her way home.

A few minutes after the GQ alert was lifted, I headed back to my stateroom two levels up. I had to admire the way that the GQ had been handled. It was just like combat. It was at this moment that I knew the real real truth about this s.h.i.+p. The GW and her crew were truth about this s.h.i.+p. The GW and her crew were ready ready for whatever the coming deployment would bring, and G.o.d help the enemy foolish enough to try to hurt them. It would not be a fair fight. You can always tell a military unit that is functioning well: When it is stressed, you cannot even see them sweat! for whatever the coming deployment would bring, and G.o.d help the enemy foolish enough to try to hurt them. It would not be a fair fight. You can always tell a military unit that is functioning well: When it is stressed, you cannot even see them sweat!

Friday, August 29th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 12: Press reports from the Allied Coalition report the air and naval forces of Korona have been heavily damaged, and rendered effectively harmless. In addition, air units flying from the USS George Was.h.i.+ngton George Was.h.i.+ngton (CVN-73), USS (CVN-73), USS Guam Guam (LPH-9), and other naval vessels have been flying over 100 attack sorties every day since the outbreak of hostilities. (LPH-9), and other naval vessels have been flying over 100 attack sorties every day since the outbreak of hostilities.Commanders John Kindred (the Air Boss, left) and Carl June (the Mini Boss, right) in Primary Flight Control (Pri-Fly) aboard the USS George Was.h.i.+ngton George Was.h.i.+ngton (CVN-73). (CVN-73).JOHN D. GRESHAM[image]

The payoff for all the efforts of the "little boys" of the GW battle group and STANAFORLANT was the ability of CVW-1 to concentrate on their real job-attack sorties against Koronan military targets ash.o.r.e. Did they destroy the occasional air or naval target? Absolutely. And they did so with a ruthless efficiency when the targets were available. But an old saying explains what Admiral Mullen had in mind for his flyers:

"Fighter pilots make movies. Bomber pilots make history!"

Unknown Navy Attack Pilot

The aircraft and crews of CVW-1 were really really earning their keep only when they were delivering ordinance onto targets of value ash.o.r.e. This meant that the fifty F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets aboard the earning their keep only when they were delivering ordinance onto targets of value ash.o.r.e. This meant that the fifty F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets aboard the GW GW were flying morning, noon, and night to hit as many high-value targets as possible. In particular, they would give special attention to enemy units and systems that could threaten the Marines of the 24th MEU (SOC) and the airborne troopers of the 82nd Airborne Division when they came into play in a few days. These included targets like mobile antis.h.i.+p missile sites along the coast (which could hit the amphibious s.h.i.+ps of the were flying morning, noon, and night to hit as many high-value targets as possible. In particular, they would give special attention to enemy units and systems that could threaten the Marines of the 24th MEU (SOC) and the airborne troopers of the 82nd Airborne Division when they came into play in a few days. These included targets like mobile antis.h.i.+p missile sites along the coast (which could hit the amphibious s.h.i.+ps of the Guam Guam ARG), mobile SCUD ballistic-missile launchers, and SAM/AAA sites in the planned invasion area. Along with these high-value Ko