Many Sailors become accustomed to the same spaces day in and day out aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), but a select group of individuals are able to experience the ship from a bird's eye view.

These Sailors include Electronics Technicians, Fire Controlmen, and Interior Communication Specialists who are required to go aloft on a regular basis.

"Going aloft is an experience that not everyone aboard gets to do," said Capt. Craig Sicola, Ike's executive officer. "Sailors who go aloft perform unique maintenance very high up off the water and we should all appreciate that."

Going aloft to perform the necessary maintenance on the radar, communication systems, the ship's mast or any location where the fall distance to the ground is greater than six feet, requires donning the proper safety equipment.

Keeping the equipment in optimum working condition bolsters Ike's security and maneuverability.

"These systems are absolutely critical to the safety and to the operations that we do at home and abroad," said Sicola. "Not only does going aloft keep our radar and detections up to speed, but it helps with the integrated self-defense of the ship too."

In order to perform safe maintenance, safety equipment is checked prior to and after each aloft evolution. Just like any other maintenance, this is a delicate process that takes concentration and attention to detail.

"You have to maintain safety while focusing on completing maintenance aloft. You don't want to skip a step in your maintenance because you're afraid of heights," said Electronic Technician 1st Class Travis Crager, Safety department's leading petty officer. "We rely on our radars for fire control operations, our defense system and also being able to land aircraft. These systems help everybody on the ship."

Crager also said there are dangers associated with going aloft such as radiation exposure, equipment failure and safety hazards that can potentially lead to fatal consequences. For this reason, only qualified personnel can go aloft.

"We are very mindful of any hazards on the mast," Crager said. "We show you how to don the harnesses, what to check for, and also any safety precautions about going aloft. The trip hazard in a passageway is a lot different than a trip hazard when you're 40-50 feet off the deck."

Sicola had the rare opportunity to ascend the ship's mast and see what it's like to go aloft.

"The view that it gave was breath-taking," said Sicola. "It really gave perspective on how big the carrier really is. The four and a half acre flight deck looks smaller up there, but relative to the ocean it's a gigantic ship on the water, and it's impressive to see Sailors climb these heights frequently to conduct maintenance."

Sailors across Ike's deckplates may not realize the importance of those who go aloft, but Sicola acknowledges their hard work and courage.

"I am blessed to visit the areas of the ship that many Sailors will not have a chance to see," Sicola said. "It's a chance for them to be recognized and appreciated for all of their hard work and the amazing job they do every single day."

Dwight D. Eisenhower is pier side during the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP)

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