New CBR gear arrives on board John C. Stennis

January 15, 2002 - USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The recent arrival of a newly-developed advanced chemical protective garment (ACPG) on board USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) brought along the responsibility for every crewmember to learn how to use it properly.

The ACPG chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) defense suit replaced the chemical protective overgarment (CPO), which will soon be phased out.

"We're going to provide the training on how to don the new ACPG during upcoming general quarters and through individual departmental training," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW) German Lopez, of Los Angeles. "Each Sailor needs to know how to use this suit because their life may depend on it."

The ACPG is more user-friendlier than the older CPO suits and the loosely fitting garment also allows more flexibility.

Lopez said, "They're more comfortable to wear and easier to put on. They're actually like a regular pair of pants and jacket. You just zip them up and you're ready to go."

One part of Lopez's duties aboard JCS includes offering CBR defense training to all divisions throughout the ship.

Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Candace Grafe of Houston, Texas, recently attended one of Lopez's CBR classes. As a leading petty officer, she said it's her job to inform her Sailors about the importance of CBR defense and how to properly don the ACPG.

"I'm from combat systems training team, and I'm going to take this CBR training and pass it on to the people in my division during general quarters," Grafe said. "The most important thing is that people are confident in knowing what they're doing in an emergency situation. Training is always what is going to give Sailors that kind of know-how."

ET1(SW) Carl Campbell of Michigan City, Ind., said that Sailors should be fully familiar with the new ACPG defense suit.

"From the captain down to the newest seaman, it is everyone's job to know what to do with all of our resources. That is our main focus in being a part of the Navy," Campbell said. "We're in the business of trying to save lives -- yours and those around you -- and this new CBR suit is going to help out a lot."

Lopez stressed that just as damage control knowledge is an essential part of being a Sailor aboard a ship, so is knowledge about CBR defense.

"Everyone should know about all of the equipment and how to use it correctly," Lopez said.

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