Sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducted chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) general quarters (GQ) drills, Oct. 19, as the ship continues Tailored Shipboard Test Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP).

"We're training the crew on our CBR equipment to verify that it does work and that we are prepared for all aspects of modern combat," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Matthew Griffin. "Although a Navy ship has never been attacked by chemical weapons, we will be prepared if it does happen."

The drills have multiple levels of simulation that involves Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) levels. These MOPP levels range from one to four. While level one indicates that a threat is possible, level four indicates an attack using CBR weapons is imminent. At this point, the crew is ordered to don all CBR protective gear to include the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) and M-50 gas mask.

"Wearing the gas mask is definitely something out of the norm," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Andrew Dubois. "But once the drills actually begin, you kind of forget you are wearing it and your focus shifts toward the training and dealing with the simulated casualties."

During a CBR drill, Sailors may find themselves assuming different roles than their normal GQ stations and applying skills and knowledge that are not often tested, but are heavily reviewed.

"While fire damage is normally localized to one space on the ship, our Sailors are very adept over the last 30 or so GQs in putting out fires, combating flooding and repairing damage to the ship," said Lt. Cmdr. James Elmore, Truman's damage control assistant. "For CBR threats however, those instances are much more rare. The difference is that these have the chance to affect the entire ship".

Chemical, biological or radiological attacks have grave potential to injure or impact a very large portion of Truman's crew, which is why Truman schedules time to specifically focus on CBR training.

"When you conduct CBR GQ drills you have to ensure that everyone is fully aware of the chemical biological radiological procedures," added Elmore. "We have to learn how to take care of ourselves and take care of our ship mates."

Truman is currently underway conducting TSTA/FEP in preparation for future operations.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman, visit http://www.navy.mil and http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.