More than 100 Sailors and civilians responded to various simulated fires and medical casualties aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a Chapter 13 damage control drill, Oct. 31.

A Chapter 13 drill is an assessment of the ship’s damage control capabilities while in an extensive maintenance availability. It is conducted by Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center and incorporates ship’s company, members of Federal Fire San Diego, the National City Fire Department and personnel from Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC).

“These drills are important because, when we’re in a maintenance period, the ship doesn’t have its fullest damage control capability,” said Makin Island’s Chief Engineer, Cmdr. Howard Watt. “Being in a maintenance period, there are a lot of casualties that can arise. We have to be able to respond quickly and limit the amount of damage that can be done to the ship.”

Allowing outside personnel to work with ship’s company increases firefighting capability and helps Sailors gain valuable damage control experience. Hose teams composed of both Sailors and members of Federal Fire San Diego allowed for further damage control integration.

“As a team, we always have to be prepared,” said Chief Damage Controlman Jose Toscano, damage control training team leader. “Working with Federal Fire gave us a chance to work as a cohesive unit, and allowed us to expertly execute this drill with minimal deficiencies.”

The ship and outside agencies collaborated successfully to pass the assessment.

“Based on the training and execution of this drill, I have absolute confidence in the crew to coordinate with all outside entities and other ships to be able to fight any fire aboard Makin Island and put it out with relative ease,” said Makin Island’s Commanding Officer, Capt. David Oden. “It’s great just to be going through the training, exercising those skills.”

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