The Source for Navy News
'Big Bad John' Set to Sail Again
Story Number: NNS031208-15
Release Date: 12/9/2003 2:04:00 AM
By Lt. j.g. Kimberly Page, USS John S. McCain Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Nov. 25, USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) floated out of dry dock a day after workers from the Ship Repair Facility flooded Dry Dock 4 and set the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer back afloat.
After three weeks in dry dock to repair her port rudder, “Big Bad John” set out for Sea Trials to test newly-installed and -upgraded equipment following a 12-week semi-annual restricted availability (SRA).
The SRA accomplished many things, from new communications installations to refurbishing messing and berthing spaces, boosting JSM’s combat readiness and living accommodations.
The crew took advantage of the lengthy time in port. Three leave periods allowed Sailors to make it home to see family and friends and attend special occasions. Many Sailors also went to various schools in Yokosuka and in the continental United States.
Those who stayed behind took on a rigorous schedule to prepare for certifications and assessments. Many ship-wide and duty-section drills were conducted on a daily basis to meet training goals.
Even during the dry-docking period, JSM completed both her light-off assessment (LOA) and Command Assessment Readiness Training II (CART II). Usually conducted underway, CART II is a ship-wide inspection involving every aspect of operational readiness and training.
For one week, “Big Bad John” simulated an underway environment, completed the assessment and achieved a “ready to train” status.
JSM Sailors were anxious to get back out on the water and prepare their ship for upcoming missions and potential port visits.
Lt. j.g. Heidi Tschampl, ship’s training officer, said after an arduous SRA and dry dock period, “It feels good to get my sea legs back.”
Information Systems Technician 2nd Class John Stevens said he was excited to see the new communications suite come to life.
“It’s exhilarating to get back out to sea and start operating all our new gear. Our capabilities have expanded so much more during this SRA period — it will be fun to put them to use, real-time,” he said.
Sea trials mark the beginning of a sprint for JSM to accomplish its training cycle by late February and be fully operational for upcoming events, exercises and port visits.
For related news, visit the Carrier Group Five/USS Kitty Hawk Strike Group Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cg5.
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