Wasp Conducts Sea Trials

NORFOLK (NNS) (NNS) -- NORFOLK (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) returned to its homeport Norfolk, Va., after a five-day underway, June 7.

After seven months in a Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV) period, Sailors aboard the ship conducted various sea trials in preparation for the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Developmental Testing Phase II (DT-2), which is scheduled to occur at the end of August.

"Sea trials were a carefully orchestrated sequence of testing and operations to ensure all systems were ready to proceed to aviation certification and eventual JSF testing this summer," said Cmdr. Rick Potter, Wasp operations officer. "From navigation to firefighting, every system was put through a rigorous testing process that flexed a relatively inexperienced crew to its potential."

With nearly 25% of the crew new to the ship, many of whom have never gone underway before, seasoned crewmembers took extra time to ensure newer Sailors were prepared for any evolution. One such evolution was an underway replenishment (UNREP).

"You could tell that some of the guys were nervous," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Bradley Wolf, a member of deck department aboard Wasp. "We held a lot of training, made sure they were up to speed on safety and emergency procedures, and when it came to game time they not only pulled through, but excelled and showed great seamanship."

During the CMAV period contractors modified many of the critical systems aboard the ship which required testing to ensure continued operability. One of those systems was the aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) pump stations.

"Every station needed to be tested, each one had modifications done to it," said Damage Controlman 1st Class Julius Edwards, leading chief petty officer of repair division aboard Wasp. "You can't fight fires on the flight deck without proper firefighting agents, and we needed to make sure they were available."

Along with testing, the crew drilled daily to maintain the at-sea fire party efficiency.

"It was a lot of work and very long hours," said Edwards. "But we got a lot done, and everyone was excited when we finally lit off."

Successful completion of sea trials following a seven-month JSF modification availability means the crew aboard Wasp has completed a large step toward at-sea testing of the F-35B.

"Wasp is one step closer to F-35B operations," said Potter. "Now with sea trials complete, we are ready to proceed to aviation certification in late June. All of this work and training is to enable successful completion of JSF DT-2 on Wasp this summer."

Wasp will continue with certification exercises throughout the summer.


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