USS Harry S. Truman Holds GQ, Emphasizes Preparedness
Story Number: NNS090225-09
Release Date: 2/25/2009 9:25:00 AM
By Mass Communication Speciliast 3rd Class (SW) Tristan Miller
USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Sailors prepared for underway emergencies Feb. 21, by conducting the first major general quarters (GQ) in more than eight months after a scheduled shipyard period.
"GQ is GQ, whether it's training or an actual casualty. We have to be prepared for everything," said Information Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Jamesha Henderson, a member of Truman's Damage Control Training Team (DCTT).
"Everyone needs to be qualified, so in case of an actual casualty, we can still fight and defend the ship."
The ship underwent a five-hit scenario, where the crew had to battle fires, flooding and an actual casualty.
"Training makes us smarter, it increases our ability to fight the ship," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Danny L. Royse, Truman's fire marshal. "Constant training will help instill in everyone that it's up to us when we're out to sea, we are the firefighters and the damage controlmen."
With dozens of new Sailors constantly reporting aboard, the DCTT's ongoing effort to prepare Sailors and make them aware of shipboard situations is vital for the crew and the safety of the ship.
"Yesterday was a real-world drill, things that can really happen when we deploy, so we have to be ready," said Royse. "It's a lot of work but everyone has to pull their own weight to make the ship a safe environment and combat actual scenarios if needed."
Truman's DCTT implores all Sailors to take their training seriously, from knowing where to muster to wearing the proper battle dress.
"If everyone is motivated to train and learn, knowing what to do in an actual casualty becomes second nature. We all have to do our part to survive the ship," said Royse.
