The First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) offered Sailors Basic Military Requirements (BMR) training while underway in early March to help prepare them for the Navy-wide advancement exam.

The training, held in a series of nine sessions leading up to the exams, covered a range of ten different topics including watch standing, customs and courtesies and uniform regulations. These are study areas that Sailors of every rating across the Navy can expect to find on their exams.

"Anyone is welcome to attend," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Rochelle Andrews, lead trainer for the sessions. "This is stuff everyone in the Navy should get to know well. We pulled all of our training topics straight from the common core bibliographies and dissected them for all the most relevant information that may appear on the exams."

The FCPOA stepped up to proctor the training after holding a group meeting and discussing what could be done to further junior Sailors careers and help them succeed.

"We wanted to help our shipmates be better prepared," said Andrews. "Especially the ones who have never taken it before. As First Class Petty Officers, we have seen many of the same questions many times before. We can help Sailors study better and save time by presenting them with frequently asked questions."

"I think the training is excellent. It never hurts to be prepared for the exams, so I'm glad the First Classes are doing this," said Yeoman Seaman Donat Dixon.
The Essex FCPOA plans to continue the training after the March exam, holding two-hour, daily sessions in the ship's classroom.

Essex is underway conducting an Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON)/MEU Integration (PMINT) training exercise with Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3, which is designed to bring the ARG/MEU team together for the first time during a deployment cycle.

The Essex ARG/MEU consists of Essex, the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11, Fleet Surgical Team 1, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron (REIN) 161, and Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1 comprised of Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, ACU-1 and Beachmaster Unit 1.

For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/.