At sea, on the pier, and in the shipyards, Sailors provide first response emergency services to maintain readiness.

In the shipyards, Sailors stand alongside civilian partners to better respond to unique requirements of an industrial environment.

To prepare for any challenges which may arise during the ship's 10-month Planned Incremental Avalability, aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducted a integrated fire drill aboard between the crew and the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire Emergency Services, Sept. 29.

The drill focused on integrated shipboard firefighting. The fire emergency team provides additional manpower for ship's forces, as well as training for rapid response. Approximately 50 Sailors and 12 civilian firefighters participated in the drill and collaborated to extinguish a simulated fire.

"In the yards we maintain readiness by conducting regular drills, so the skills we learned underway are maintained during the yard period," said Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey Ronshausen, a specialist in damage control. "We always have a team of Sailors who specialize in damage control, the in-port emergency team (IET), which serves as the intial responders to shipboard casulaties.

Ronshausen said Sailors in the IET are important because they are the first line of defense against a casualty.

"It is important we run drills constantly to reinforce skills and work together with the fire department," said Ronshausen.

The fire department was responsible for providing support in establishing the location of the fire and relaying the information to their command. They also worked directly with the hose team to practice the best methods to extinguish fires in tight spaces.

"The drill went well, especially for the first time since the ship has been in the yards," said Lieutenant Paramedic Troy Ellis. "There was great communication between ship's forces and the fire department. We will use this integrated training in the future for other carriers when they enter the shipyards, and the crew can expect to conduct more integrated fire drills."

Safety of the crew, shipyard personnel, and equipment is the main prority while Truman is in the yards. Coordination and teamwork will assist in ensuring a safe and successful maintenance period.

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