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Curtis Wilbur Conducts INSURV Rehearsal Underway
Story Number: NNS130417-02
4/17/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gregory A. Harden II, NPASE Japan

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) executed a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) rehearsal at sea April 16 in preparation for their upcoming inspection.

During the one-day underway, mock INSURV inspectors assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 examined the ship's weapons systems, communications, and propulsion systems as well as conducting several other inspections to evaluate overall shipboard performance to ensure its readiness for deployment.

The INSURV program is designed to help assess the mission readiness of ships in the Navy as well as its crew. It is required for each ship to undergo this phase every 30 months.

Curtis Wilbur's crew has been preparing for the INSURV inspection by trying to eliminate the smallest discrepancies while completing everyday duties.

"Curtis Wilbur has been practicing the underway portion of INSURV since the beginning of February," said Ensign Megan Miller, Curtis Wilbur's gunnery officer. "At first, it was a challenge to complete so many demonstrations in just 15 hours, but at this point, we have a flawless rhythm and are able to conduct multiple demonstrations simultaneously."

Officers and crew members have noticed a significant boost in the teamwork while working toward preparing for the INSURV trial run.

"I have noticed that as we get closer to INSURV, the Sailors across multiple divisions are really coming together to accomplish our ultimate goal - successfully completing INSURV," said Senior Chief Damage Controlman Roger James. "It does not matter who owns that piece of gear or that space, if any Sailor aboard Curtis Wilbur sees something wrong, they will stop and fix the issue no matter if it belongs to their department or not. To me, that is the definition of team work."

James added that it is crucial for all ships in the 7th Fleet to consistently be mission ready. He believes the results of this upcoming INSURV will reveal that Curtis Wilbur and her crew are ready for any future mission assignments.

Curtis Wilbur's INSURV is scheduled for later this month.

For more news from Commander Task Force 70, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf70/.