Afloat Training Group (ATG) Atlantic tested the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) on their comprehension and application of mission-essential skills during Crew Certification (Crew Cert) III Feb. 20-21.

Crew Cert is a three-part review of the ship’s overall training program, testing the crew’s level of knowledge through a variety of examinations including damage control, medical response, watchstanding, navigation and operations.

“The main event is general quarters,” said Ike’s Command Master Chief Todd A. Mangin. “I think it’s more realistic that we may have at-sea fires and medical emergencies before being in a battle scenario. [Crew Cert III] gets the at-sea fire party working as a team, thinking differently and familiarizes them with moving around the ship.”

Ike Sailors spent months preparing to not only pass ATG’s tests, but to prove the crew and ship’s seaworthiness. They even had help from Sailors assigned to the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77).

“Sharing the tremendous amount of experience and talent we have onboard George H. W. Bush was a no brainer for us,” said Senior Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Apryl Nanney, Bush’s training department’s leading chief petty officer. “Especially if it made our counterparts onboard the Ike able to bring the fight to the enemy.”

Bush wasn’t the only ship to lend a hand; USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) also stepped in to help Ike succeed.

“The Ford also provided members of its Combat Systems training team,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Drage, Ike’s Training Officer. “The experience was eye-opening. Ike’s training teams received constructive and brutally honest feedback from Bush and Ford assessors. Ike then implemented the feedback for a successful Crew Cert Phase III.”

While there were many aspects that went into Ike’s preparation for Crew Cert, the secret to success may come from the partnerships formed between shipmates.

“There should be more carrier-to-carrier interaction,” said Mangin. “There is so much going on aboard aircraft carriers, I think we could really help each other out. I would love to see it happen on a much bigger scale. Bush and Ford helped us out immensely.”

Ike’s extensive training paid off and the crew’s performance during the assessment left several Sailors confident in the results.

“Crew Cert III is basically trying to figure out where the crew stands as far as being able to save the ship and each other,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd class Caitlyn Holder, a member of Ike’s medical training team. “The entire ship – every individual person is a part of Crew Cert. Every rate is part of a team and does their part to save the ship.”

The training teams are now stepping up their game in preparation for the next assessment. Drills, scenarios, and casualties will now become more extensive in order to challenge the crew.

But, Mangin said, if the results of Crew Cert III are any indication, “we’re going to do outstanding.”

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