For some members of the crew aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), being underway with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group means late-night watchstanding while everyone else sleeps, especially during the ongoing composite training unit exercise.

Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Mitchell Walp said the watchstanders in the ship's combat information center know their role is as vital as that of the daytime personnel. Something as basic as the ship's external lighting configuration can make a world of difference when it comes to the ship's defense, he said.

Ens. Joshua Asaro, a junior officer of the deck aboard Monterey, said the safe diligent navigation of the ship in low light or restricted visibility is also of vital importance.

Asaro said each member of a bridge watch team is essential to safe nighttime operations.

One unit of the bridge team, the ship's quartermasters, plot Monterey's position, maintain the deck log and monitor the weather. Another group comprised of the ship's boatswain's mates and undesignated seamen, rotate between the helmsman, lee helmsman and lookout positions, while a more senior boatswain's mate oversees the enlisted watch team.

Everyone on the bridge works together under the officer of the deck, who serves as the commanding officer's direct representative when he is not on the bridge. The OOD relies on every member to operate equipment professionally and to keep the ship out of danger.

Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) 3rd Class Ethan Jones said that, in addition to all the other critical night watch positions, the ship's engineering department Sailors ensure the ship has electricity to illuminate the lights and radar displays and provide mechanical thrust to the power propulsion systems.

"There could be generator casualties at any time," Jones said. "If no one is down in the space, you lose valuable time to combat that casualty."

Jones added that there could be malfunctions within a system that could cause catastrophic effects to the ship if not caught right away. Having Sailors there at all hours of the night keeps everything running smoothly, he said.

For more information from USS Monterey (CG 61), visit www.navy.mil/local/cg61

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