When a ship is out to sea, the crew must be completely self-sufficient -- which includes battling casualties.

They cannot call out for help, but must instead rely on one another to handle the situation, and this is why Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) train diligently to be prepared for any circumstance.

"We train to fight," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Diedre McFarlane, Repair Locker 1B damage control training team (DCTT) lead. "Aboard my first ship, we had a junior Sailor hide in a corner in tears because he was so afraid when we went to an actual general quarters (GQ). He was afraid that he was going to die. He was new so he hadn't done a GQ drill before. If he had, he would have the knowledge and faith in himself and his shipmates to know that we would take care of our ship and him."

GQ drills happen at least once per week underway, led by the DCTT. These drills teach Sailors what to do in the event of an actual casualty.

"I find damage control to be fun," said McFarlane. "I've been in the Navy for almost 18 years and experienced actual damage control causalities. The performance of the crew in handling the situation depended on how they trained. I want to continue that tradition and pass on my knowledge to junior Sailors."

When the alarm sounds and the tactical action officer comes over the 1MC calling general quarters, every Sailor knows their role and responsibilities.

"GQ drills are important because it requires the locker to resolve situations as a team," said Chief Navy Counselor Jamie D. Gilbert, Repair Locker 1B fire team lead. "If I can train Sailors on how to solve situations, then I don't have to worry that the ship might go down if I'm hurt during a real casualty."

While these drills can be physically and mentally strenuous, it is vital Sailors are given the proper training in order to save the ship in the event of an actual casualty.

"Be motivated," said McFarlane. "These drills can be long and seemingly monotonous if you're not actively engaged. If we all are highly motivated and keep it up throughout the drill, it makes them go by faster. You might even find that you can have fun working and learning with shipmates on how to take care of the ship and each other."

From the junior to the most senior Sailors, GQ drills are about saving the ship and training on how to get the job done.

"GQ drills are so important because it is a way to enhance the crew's knowledge in combatting casualties, and to put the ship at a greater readiness condition," said Senior Chief Damage Controlman Horace Johnson, damage control leading chief petty officer. "The drills are a great way to get the crew to understand the sense of urgency they need to have if they are ever faced with an actual GQ situation, ensuring they are committed to excellence and ready to save the ship at a moment's notice."

Ike is currently conducting aircraft carrier qualifications during the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP).

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