Sailors assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) conducted training in the Full Mission Bridge Simulator (FMBS) at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, March 17.

This training allowed the bridge watch team to simulate navigation of restricted waterways and conduct precision anchoring evolutions prior to Ford getting underway later this year.

"We have our bridge watch teams established, and this is an important time for them to start honing their skills individually," said Lt. Cmdr. James Sullivan, Ford's assistant navigation officer. "More importantly, bringing those skills together [creates] that teamwork that's going to make us an effective crew. It's really about working together and improving our skills, seamanship and navigation."

Building a bridge watch team involves multidepartmental cooperation with Sailors coming from Deck, Operations, Navigation and Combat Systems. The simulation offered each Sailor a chance to practice physically standing their watch positions and doing their jobs in a safe training environment.

"It gives us more hands on experience because as a quartermaster, it's a lot harder to learn your job by reading in a book," said Quartermaster Seaman Audrey Jackson. "It's a lot of words that need to come to life. [The simulation is] more hands-on. It gets us more used to the environment. It'll definitely take the intimidation factor down when we do start going underway."

Jackson said prior to attending the simulated training, her only opportunity to learn was simply by watching during a recent underway aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). She said having hands-on experience and leadership to guide her made her more confident that she will be prepared for real situations.

The simulator projected the view out the bridge windows onto a screen and moved with the helmsman and lee helmsman, making it seem as if the crew were actually underway. Because each movement was meticulously simulated, the crew was able to feel the pressures of navigation.

"Using the simulator, we are able to build our camaraderie as a navigational team so that we know each other's actions and feelings," said Quartermaster 1st Class Jose Triana, navigation department's leading petty officer.

Triana said the simulator gave them an opportunity to train with the same people they will go underway with instead of learning how other ships operate and trying to adapt it to Ford. He said working as a team and communicating effectively will make the ship's first underway go smoother as they anticipate the ship's handling.

Ford's bridge watch teams continue to conduct simulated training exercises to further prepare for getting the ship underway.

For more news from Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit http://www.navy.mil/.