USS George H.W. Bush Drills to Be Ready

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) successfully completed a General Quarters (GQ) drill, April 19.

The drill assessed the crew's ability to set material condition zebra, which requires Sailors to man their battle stations and secure all required doors, hatches, drains and ventilation quickly to maximize the ship's protection against a casualty or attack.

Material condition zebra provides the ship with a level of protection against damage, with almost all fittings being closed when it is set. Transiting the ship and then setting up those boundaries in a timely manner is paramount in maximizing the safety of the ship and crew.

"Boundaries are set to prevent the spread of smoke, fire, and flooding," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Jonathan Hardwick.

After zebra is set and Sailors have reported to their assigned stations throughout the ship, training is conducted throughout the duration of the GQ drill. Those assigned stations often include battle dressing stations (BDS), with medical equipment and surgical areas inside.

"We quickly set up our BDS to receive any casualties," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Nathaniel Thomas. "Once we've done that, corpsmen at each station give training to other Sailors on the eight basic wounds. We teach them how to treat the wounds, and what tools they need to do it. Later into the drill we will receive simulated casualties where they put that practice into play."

Every Sailor has a role during GQ. As the crew man their stations, training-team personnel stand by for added support and guidance during the drill. Passing on their years of experience builds the knowledge of the crew, and their trust in one another.

"Sailors need faith in their shipmates and leadership," said Cmdr. Christopher Merris, the command chaplain. "This type of training leads to that faith within the crew."

GQ drills are conducted weekly, with different scenarios each time to prepare the ship against any possible threat.

George H.W. Bush is conducting training and carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

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