The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) completed Core I, June 16.

CORE I is an inspection designed to assess crew proficiency in damage control and navigation, as well as shipboard training team efficiency. Throughout the inspection, these areas of focus were observed and tested by inspectors from Afloat Training Group (ATG) Western Pacific.

"The whole array of fundamental damage control casualties, such as fire, flooding and toxic gas, was looked at," said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Supple, Ronald Reagan's damage control assistant. "Additionally, we demonstrated some of the more varsity scenarios, like CBR (chemical, biological and radiological), command and control challenges and rigging of casualty power."

During the assessment, the ship's training teams planned, conducted, evaluated and critiqued exercises within their respective functional areas.

"CORE I is a chance for us to validate and improve our ability to train ourselves. Afloat Training Group looks at how well we can combat casualties," said Supple. "But more importantly, they will more closely be looking at our processes, and our commitment to training and to constantly improving."

According to Damage Controlman 3rd Class Adam Vanderboegh, a member of the rapid response damage control team, flying squad, and a native of Mannford, Oklahoma, CORE I was a challenging assessment, but it was also an opportunity to showcase some of the damage control skills that Sailors practice on an everyday basis.

"We've been training for months for this test," said Vanderboegh. "For us in the locker, this is just an opportunity to show off that we have these drills down cold and are ready for anything they can throw at us."

CORE I was the first of three major training assessments scheduled for Ronald Reagan during the ship's current patrol; CORE II and the Unit Level Training Assessment-Sustainment are scheduled to take place later this year.

Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

For more news from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), visit www.navy.mil/.