The dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) departed Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Feb. 3, 2020 to complete type commander (TYCOM) sea trials and execute Mariner Skills Week.

After completing a maintenance availability which began in August 2017, the crew took the ship out to sea in December for contractor sea trials, and now heads out to demonstrate and train on a multitude of at sea events which allows the ship to progress in the training cycle.

“These first few underways in the training cycle are all about getting our ‘sea legs.’ We are building the foundation of ‘right’ from the get go – the right people, in the right place, executing their jobs safely,” said Cmdr. Jean Marie Sullivan, commanding officer of the Whidbey Island. “We’re creating our culture of excellence on Whidbey Island and that starts with establishing a solid foundation built on absolute adherence to safety and proper procedures.”

Upon completion of sea trials, Whidbey Island will continue its training cycle preparing the ship and crew for future maritime operations.

Get more information about the Navy from U.S. Navy Facebook or Twitter.

For more news from Expeditionary Strike Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/.