While a ship is pierside, shore-power cables provide electricity while the ship's power generating systems are shut down. Training on connecting these cables is usually annual and face-to-face, but due to the inherent risks of handling ship-to-shore power connections this year, a second session was needed. 

Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG 3) needed to deliver this follow-on training to the waterfront in a way that takes COVID-19 mitigations into account.

“We work hard at developing the shore power training curriculum, and with the need for follow-on training, disseminating in a way that factors COVID-19 mitigation procedures was necessary,” said Cmdr. Eric Ruiz, assistant chief of staff for logistics and readiness for ESG 3.

The training emphasizes the importance of preventive safety actions and adherence to procedures in handling shore-power connections, with an emphasis on the importance of effective engineering leadership of electrical division personnel involved in shore power handling evolutions.

“Improving safety on the rigging and unrigging of ship’s shore power cables on the waterfront helps ensure we teach Sailors the necessary skills to succeed in the fleet,” said Ruiz.

In February, technical experts from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP); Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC); and Readiness Assist Training Team (RATT) delivered the initial training, using a combination of videos, lectures and demonstrations.

For the follow-on training, with COVID-19 mitigations in place, the training aids needed to be modified for virtual delivery.

“Since this isn’t the first time the training was delivered this year, we were able to repackage, and conduct virtually,” said Ruiz. “ESG 3 will also solicit feedback from the recipients to ensure the intended message was delivered and the training accomplished what it was supposed to.”

Feedback from the virtual training will provide critical data needed to enable the appropriate adjustments, so we continue to meet the goal of this type of training, minimize risk to Sailors and waterfront personnel while handling electrical cables, and operating in a COVID-19 environment.

Additional training is on the horizon, with topics ranging from shafting, steering gear and helm control, switchboards, diesel engines, and main reduction gear. While these have yet to be finalized, all will be delivered virtually while COVID-19 mitigations remain in place

“The follow-on shore power training is a reminder of how we as a fleet can and will adapt during these challenging times,” said Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, ESG 3 commander.

ESG 3 provides regional and combatant commanders with an agile, tailorable, forward-postured and immediately employable force, capable of projecting expeditionary striking power in the maritime, littoral, and inland environments in support of U.S. national interests. It is comprised of four amphibious squadrons, eight naval support elements and 14 amphibious warships with more than 15,000 active duty and reserve Sailors and Marines.

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