Carrier (1999) (44 page)
Authors: Tom - Nf Clancy
The Navy supports its carrier captains with handpicked subordinates who run the day-to-day activities of the boat and her three-thousand-plus-person crew (the air wing brings along more than 2,500 more). Of these, the most critical job on board is the Executive Officer, or XO. While we were aboard the GW, we were fortunate to observe a handover between two XOs, when Captain Michael R. Groothousen (the
GW
’s XO since May 1996) left to take command of
Seattle,
and the new XO, Commander Chuck Smith, arrived to take his place. Captain Groothousen, a longtime F/A-18 Hornet aviator, was on his way to a deep-draft command in preparation for commanding a carrier of his own, while Commander Smith is something else entirely, having served in S-3 Viking ASW/Sea Control squadrons.
GW
’s XO since May 1996) left to take command of
Seattle,
and the new XO, Commander Chuck Smith, arrived to take his place. Captain Groothousen, a longtime F/A-18 Hornet aviator, was on his way to a deep-draft command in preparation for commanding a carrier of his own, while Commander Smith is something else entirely, having served in S-3 Viking ASW/Sea Control squadrons.
A tall, lean professional (he resembles a young Peter O’Toole), Chuck Smith is the kind of aviator you’d want at the controls if your plane had to make a night landing in a storm with one engine out. Carrier captains usually come from fighter and attack aviation backgrounds. The “right stuff” mystique and old-boy network of TopGun fighter jockeys make it tough for aviators from electronic warfare, ASW, AEW, and sea control specialties to claw their way to the top of the promotion ladder. However, the increasing importance and versatility of the S-3 in carrier operations, has enabled a few former Viking drivers to get choice commands: big-deck amphibious ships (like the
Tarawa
(LHA-1) and
Wasp-class
(LHD-1) helicopter carriers), and even some supercarriers. Chuck Smith will make a terrific carrier CO when he “fleets up” in a few years. Commander Smith took over the XO job in late August 1997, while GW was steaming into the battle group’s final training exercise prior to deploying to the Mediterranean. The change happened quickly and seamlessly. The only sign of it aboard the ship was the few minutes it took for every officer who could fit into flight-deck control to see Captain Groothousen off the ship, en route to his next assignment.
Tarawa
(LHA-1) and
Wasp-class
(LHD-1) helicopter carriers), and even some supercarriers. Chuck Smith will make a terrific carrier CO when he “fleets up” in a few years. Commander Smith took over the XO job in late August 1997, while GW was steaming into the battle group’s final training exercise prior to deploying to the Mediterranean. The change happened quickly and seamlessly. The only sign of it aboard the ship was the few minutes it took for every officer who could fit into flight-deck control to see Captain Groothousen off the ship, en route to his next assignment.
Master Chief Petty Officer Kevin Lavin, the Command Master Chief of the USS
George Washington
(CVN-73). Here he is just minutes away from boarding the GW for the 1997/98 cruise to the Persian Gulf.
George Washington
(CVN-73). Here he is just minutes away from boarding the GW for the 1997/98 cruise to the Persian Gulf.
JOHN D. GRESHAM
Commander Chuck Smith, the Executive Officer (XO) of the carrier USS
George Washington
(CVN- 73).
George Washington
(CVN- 73).
JOHN D. GRESHAM
Of the three thousand crewmembers aboard the
GW,
something like 95% are enlisted sailors. Their representative, advocate, and ambassador to the Captain is GW’s Command Master Chief (CMC) Petty Officer, the senior NCO on board. This is a job of great responsibility. If the food or laundry service in the enlisted spaces is unsatisfactory, it is the CMC who makes sure the Captain knows about it. If a sailor’s family member ashore needs assistance, he is the one to coordinate solutions through the Red Cross or other appropriate authority. On
GW,
the job is ably filled by CMC Kevin Lavin. When you meet him he seems more like the vice-president of a start-up computer company than the traditional gruff, tattooed Navy chief (his background is in electronics maintenance). Chief Lavin is Commander Smith’s senior enlisted advisor, and when he speaks both the CO and XO listen closely!
GW,
something like 95% are enlisted sailors. Their representative, advocate, and ambassador to the Captain is GW’s Command Master Chief (CMC) Petty Officer, the senior NCO on board. This is a job of great responsibility. If the food or laundry service in the enlisted spaces is unsatisfactory, it is the CMC who makes sure the Captain knows about it. If a sailor’s family member ashore needs assistance, he is the one to coordinate solutions through the Red Cross or other appropriate authority. On
GW,
the job is ably filled by CMC Kevin Lavin. When you meet him he seems more like the vice-president of a start-up computer company than the traditional gruff, tattooed Navy chief (his background is in electronics maintenance). Chief Lavin is Commander Smith’s senior enlisted advisor, and when he speaks both the CO and XO listen closely!
Captain Rutherford and Commander Smith manage an organization that seems more like a small city or corporation than a ship. Its various departments are key to keeping the GW running smoothly for the six months or more that she may spend deployed, or “on cruise” as her crew calls it. Each department performs specific tasks, which make possible the operation of her men, aircraft, and weapons. The alphabetical breakdown of these departments and their heads in the fall of 1997 is shown below:
•
Administration (ADMIN)—
Headed by Lieutenant Jerry Morrison, this is the primary record-keeping group for the ship, and includes personnel, maintenance, supply, financial, and other files.
Administration (ADMIN)—
Headed by Lieutenant Jerry Morrison, this is the primary record-keeping group for the ship, and includes personnel, maintenance, supply, financial, and other files.
•
Aircraft Maintenance Division
(AIMD)—With almost six hundred personnel assigned, AIMD provides the
GW’
s embarked air wing with spare parts, maintenance facilities, and specialized support personnel. Commander Gordon Coward heads this division.
Aircraft Maintenance Division
(AIMD)—With almost six hundred personnel assigned, AIMD provides the
GW’
s embarked air wing with spare parts, maintenance facilities, and specialized support personnel. Commander Gordon Coward heads this division.
•
Air Department
(AIR)—One of the busiest groups aboard the
GW,
the Air Department controls the operations of the
GW’s
hangar and flight decks, as well as the airspace directly around the ship. The Air Department is led by an officer nicknamed the “Air Boss,” and his deputy, the “Mini Boss.” While we were aboard
GW,
the Air Boss was Commander John Kindred, while the “Mini” was Commander Carl June. Both are experienced pilots who have the skills and knowledge to control every type of carrier-capable aircraft under all weather and sea conditions. In late 1997, Commander Kindred was planning to move on to his next assignment, while Commander June would stay aboard and “fleet up” as the new
GW
Air Boss. Then it will be his job to train a new “Mini” before he moves on in a year or so.
Air Department
(AIR)—One of the busiest groups aboard the
GW,
the Air Department controls the operations of the
GW’s
hangar and flight decks, as well as the airspace directly around the ship. The Air Department is led by an officer nicknamed the “Air Boss,” and his deputy, the “Mini Boss.” While we were aboard
GW,
the Air Boss was Commander John Kindred, while the “Mini” was Commander Carl June. Both are experienced pilots who have the skills and knowledge to control every type of carrier-capable aircraft under all weather and sea conditions. In late 1997, Commander Kindred was planning to move on to his next assignment, while Commander June would stay aboard and “fleet up” as the new
GW
Air Boss. Then it will be his job to train a new “Mini” before he moves on in a year or so.
•
Crew Recreation and Morale Department
(CRMD)—This department deals with the crew’s spiritual and moral welfare, and is headed by
GW
’s Command Chaplain, Captain Jim Nichols.
Crew Recreation and Morale Department
(CRMD)—This department deals with the crew’s spiritual and moral welfare, and is headed by
GW
’s Command Chaplain, Captain Jim Nichols.
•
Deck Division
(DECK)—Even in a “high-tech” age of networked computers and PGMs, there is still a need on every Naval vessel for sailors who can handle lines, small boats, anchors, and all the paraphernalia of traditional seamanship. The
GW
’s “Deck Division” handles everything from launching the ship’s boats to manning the replenishment stations during underway refueling and replenishment (UNREP). Lieutenant Commander Johnnie Draughton, who will retire in late 1997, and will be replaced by Lieutenant Greg Worley, leads the sailors of the Deck Division.
Deck Division
(DECK)—Even in a “high-tech” age of networked computers and PGMs, there is still a need on every Naval vessel for sailors who can handle lines, small boats, anchors, and all the paraphernalia of traditional seamanship. The
GW
’s “Deck Division” handles everything from launching the ship’s boats to manning the replenishment stations during underway refueling and replenishment (UNREP). Lieutenant Commander Johnnie Draughton, who will retire in late 1997, and will be replaced by Lieutenant Greg Worley, leads the sailors of the Deck Division.
•
Dental Department (DENTAL)—A
community of over six thousand people is bound to have some cavities, broken teeth, and dental emergencies while on cruise. Sending them ashore for treatment to a Navy hospital would be impractical and expensive, so GW is equipped with a full dental clinic. Headed by Commander Roger Houk, DDS, the Dental Department has everything necessary for good dental hygiene, not only for the crew of the GW, but also for the crews on the other ships of the battle group.
Dental Department (DENTAL)—A
community of over six thousand people is bound to have some cavities, broken teeth, and dental emergencies while on cruise. Sending them ashore for treatment to a Navy hospital would be impractical and expensive, so GW is equipped with a full dental clinic. Headed by Commander Roger Houk, DDS, the Dental Department has everything necessary for good dental hygiene, not only for the crew of the GW, but also for the crews on the other ships of the battle group.
•
Engineering Department (ENG)
—The Engineering Department operates and maintains almost every system aboard
GW
except the two A4W nuclear reactors. These systems include electrical power, air-conditioning, jet and diesel fuel, and sewage transfer systems. Supervising literally hundreds of miles of pipes, ducts, and cable runs, and thousands of valves, pumps, switches, transformers, and gadgets, is GW Chief Engineer (CHENG) Lieutenant Commander Pete Petry.
Engineering Department (ENG)
—The Engineering Department operates and maintains almost every system aboard
GW
except the two A4W nuclear reactors. These systems include electrical power, air-conditioning, jet and diesel fuel, and sewage transfer systems. Supervising literally hundreds of miles of pipes, ducts, and cable runs, and thousands of valves, pumps, switches, transformers, and gadgets, is GW Chief Engineer (CHENG) Lieutenant Commander Pete Petry.
•
Combat Systems Division (CSD)
—Without sensors and electronics, modern weapons systems are about as useful in battle as paperweights. The Combat Systems Division cares for the vast array of controlling hardware and software that makes the
GW
an effective weapons and aviation platform. Heading the CSD is the GW’s Combat Systems Officer (CSO), Commander Diana Turonis.
Combat Systems Division (CSD)
—Without sensors and electronics, modern weapons systems are about as useful in battle as paperweights. The Combat Systems Division cares for the vast array of controlling hardware and software that makes the
GW
an effective weapons and aviation platform. Heading the CSD is the GW’s Combat Systems Officer (CSO), Commander Diana Turonis.
•
Legal Department (LEGAL)-Six
thousand sailors, Marines, and their families add up to a lot of legal advice. To support this, the
GW
has a fully staffed Legal Department to ensure that everyone aboard has an up-to-date will and power of attorney before deployment, and to handle any investigations and courts-martial that might arise. As it happens, today’s military personnel don’t get in trouble with the law nearly as often as previous generations. However, long deployments make for high divorce rates and complex family problems. The ship’s Legal Officer (LEGAL-OFF) is Lieutenant Commander Jim Roth, a sharp and able young lawyer. The Legal Officer is also the Captain’s technical advisor on Rules of Engagement (ROE), the intricate and ever-changing documents that specify where, when, and how you can shoot.
Legal Department (LEGAL)-Six
thousand sailors, Marines, and their families add up to a lot of legal advice. To support this, the
GW
has a fully staffed Legal Department to ensure that everyone aboard has an up-to-date will and power of attorney before deployment, and to handle any investigations and courts-martial that might arise. As it happens, today’s military personnel don’t get in trouble with the law nearly as often as previous generations. However, long deployments make for high divorce rates and complex family problems. The ship’s Legal Officer (LEGAL-OFF) is Lieutenant Commander Jim Roth, a sharp and able young lawyer. The Legal Officer is also the Captain’s technical advisor on Rules of Engagement (ROE), the intricate and ever-changing documents that specify where, when, and how you can shoot.
•
Medical Department (MEDICAL)
—The
GW
Medical Department is equipped and staffed to handle everything from minor lacerations and sunburns to life-threatening trauma and accident cases. Because smaller ships of the battle group have only modest medical facilities and staff, GW acts as a central hospital for the force. Heading the
GW
medical team is the Ship’s Medical Officer (SMO), Commander Dean Bailey, MD. He is due for relief in the fall of 1997 by Commander Mike Krentz, MD.
Medical Department (MEDICAL)
—The
GW
Medical Department is equipped and staffed to handle everything from minor lacerations and sunburns to life-threatening trauma and accident cases. Because smaller ships of the battle group have only modest medical facilities and staff, GW acts as a central hospital for the force. Heading the
GW
medical team is the Ship’s Medical Officer (SMO), Commander Dean Bailey, MD. He is due for relief in the fall of 1997 by Commander Mike Krentz, MD.
•
Marine Detachment (MARDET)
—Traditionally, the twenty-six-man Marine Detachment aboard supercarriers provided security for the “special” (the euphemism for “nuclear”) weapons that used to be carried aboard. Today, nuclear weapons are no longer carried aboard carriers, and in late 1997 the Corps reassigned its MARDETs. But until that happened, the
GW
’s MARDET commander was 1st Lieutenant Grant Goodrich.
Marine Detachment (MARDET)
—Traditionally, the twenty-six-man Marine Detachment aboard supercarriers provided security for the “special” (the euphemism for “nuclear”) weapons that used to be carried aboard. Today, nuclear weapons are no longer carried aboard carriers, and in late 1997 the Corps reassigned its MARDETs. But until that happened, the
GW
’s MARDET commander was 1st Lieutenant Grant Goodrich.
•
Navigation Department
(NAV)—The traditional nautical skill of navigation has been revolutionized by GPS, digital charts, and real-time satellite weather updates. But it still takes an experienced navigator to advise the bridge watch about how exactly to steer the ship in a narrow channel or a tricky tactical situation.
GW
’s Navigation Department is equipped with every kind of navigational instrument, from sextants to GPS receivers. The Navigational Officer (known as “GATOR” for short) is Commander Ron Raymer. He is expecting to leave the ship in early 1998, and will be relieved by Commander Brian Cosgrove.
Navigation Department
(NAV)—The traditional nautical skill of navigation has been revolutionized by GPS, digital charts, and real-time satellite weather updates. But it still takes an experienced navigator to advise the bridge watch about how exactly to steer the ship in a narrow channel or a tricky tactical situation.
GW
’s Navigation Department is equipped with every kind of navigational instrument, from sextants to GPS receivers. The Navigational Officer (known as “GATOR” for short) is Commander Ron Raymer. He is expecting to leave the ship in early 1998, and will be relieved by Commander Brian Cosgrove.
•
Operations Department
(OPS)—Everything from eating schedules and flight operations to making a rendezvous with a replenishment ship requires a high degree of skill and coordination. This is the job of the
GW
Operations Department, the group that recommends to the CO and XO how they will actually operate and “fight” the
GW,
should the need arise. The
GW
Operations Officer (OPSO) is Commander Don Hepfer, who is a sly and skillful officer.
Operations Department
(OPS)—Everything from eating schedules and flight operations to making a rendezvous with a replenishment ship requires a high degree of skill and coordination. This is the job of the
GW
Operations Department, the group that recommends to the CO and XO how they will actually operate and “fight” the
GW,
should the need arise. The
GW
Operations Officer (OPSO) is Commander Don Hepfer, who is a sly and skillful officer.
•
Reactor Department
(REACTOR)—Of all the departments aboard the
GW,
none is shrouded in tighter security than the “Nukes.” On non-nuclear Navy vessels the Engineering Department controls the ship’s propulsion. But on the GW, a dedicated Reactor Department controls the two mighty AW4 units and other associated machinery. They don’t like publicity. They won’t talk to you. Don’t even ask. The department is controlled by a career nuclear surface officer, Captain Joe Krenzel, who will become the commander of the USS
South Carolina
(CGN-37) when he finishes his tour as Reactor Officer (RO) aboard
GW.
Reactor Department
(REACTOR)—Of all the departments aboard the
GW,
none is shrouded in tighter security than the “Nukes.” On non-nuclear Navy vessels the Engineering Department controls the ship’s propulsion. But on the GW, a dedicated Reactor Department controls the two mighty AW4 units and other associated machinery. They don’t like publicity. They won’t talk to you. Don’t even ask. The department is controlled by a career nuclear surface officer, Captain Joe Krenzel, who will become the commander of the USS
South Carolina
(CGN-37) when he finishes his tour as Reactor Officer (RO) aboard
GW.
•
Safety Department (SAFETY)
—
GW
is basically a large steel box filled with jet fuel, explosives and rocket fuel, toxic chemicals and waste, fissile material—and, of course, people! Working hard to keep them under control is the GW’s Safety Department. This group is charged with monitoring hazardous materials, inspecting firefighting equipment and sanitation gear, and coordinating damage control with the other ship’s departments. The
GW’s
Safety Officer (SAFETYO) is Commander Jack Hassinger, who will be relieved in the fall of 1997 by Commander Dave Hegland.
Safety Department (SAFETY)
—
GW
is basically a large steel box filled with jet fuel, explosives and rocket fuel, toxic chemicals and waste, fissile material—and, of course, people! Working hard to keep them under control is the GW’s Safety Department. This group is charged with monitoring hazardous materials, inspecting firefighting equipment and sanitation gear, and coordinating damage control with the other ship’s departments. The
GW’s
Safety Officer (SAFETYO) is Commander Jack Hassinger, who will be relieved in the fall of 1997 by Commander Dave Hegland.
•
Supply Department (SUPPLY)
—The
GW
utilizes thousands of different items during day-to-day operations at sea. Jet fuel and floppy disks, ground beef and paper towels are all used in quantities that stagger the imagination. Keeping up with the ordering, stowing, and record-keeping required to keep GW running is the Supply Department. The
GW
’s Supply Officer or SUPPO is Commander Jim Ellison, who can be either the most or least popular officer aboard!
Supply Department (SUPPLY)
—The
GW
utilizes thousands of different items during day-to-day operations at sea. Jet fuel and floppy disks, ground beef and paper towels are all used in quantities that stagger the imagination. Keeping up with the ordering, stowing, and record-keeping required to keep GW running is the Supply Department. The
GW
’s Supply Officer or SUPPO is Commander Jim Ellison, who can be either the most or least popular officer aboard!
•
Training Department (TRAINING)
—One of the biggest challenges for the
GW
’s crew is to continue their professional growth and training while embarked on cruise. Doing this requires regular refresher training and qualification for various skills and equipment, which is the responsibility of the Training Department, commanded by Lieutenant Matt Hempel. He is due to be relieved in late 1997 by Lieutenant Ann Hollenbeck. This department supports correspondence courses to help personnel qualify for their next promotion, distance-learning classes, and video classes, for new tactics and onboard equipment.
Training Department (TRAINING)
—One of the biggest challenges for the
GW
’s crew is to continue their professional growth and training while embarked on cruise. Doing this requires regular refresher training and qualification for various skills and equipment, which is the responsibility of the Training Department, commanded by Lieutenant Matt Hempel. He is due to be relieved in late 1997 by Lieutenant Ann Hollenbeck. This department supports correspondence courses to help personnel qualify for their next promotion, distance-learning classes, and video classes, for new tactics and onboard equipment.
•
Weapons Department (WEPS)
—Though
GW
is not as heavily armed as her battle group escorts, she still packs a considerable self-defense “punch”—including Mk. 29 Sea Sparrow SAM launchers and 20mm Mk. 15 Phalanx CIWS systems.
GW
additionally has a number of M-2 .50-caliber machine guns for defense against swimmers and small boats. These are maintained by the Weapons Department, which is headed by the “Gunner,” Commander Lee Price. Actual weapons firing is controlled by the Tactical Officer (TACO) in the ship’s Combat Direction Center (CDC).
Weapons Department (WEPS)
—Though
GW
is not as heavily armed as her battle group escorts, she still packs a considerable self-defense “punch”—including Mk. 29 Sea Sparrow SAM launchers and 20mm Mk. 15 Phalanx CIWS systems.
GW
additionally has a number of M-2 .50-caliber machine guns for defense against swimmers and small boats. These are maintained by the Weapons Department, which is headed by the “Gunner,” Commander Lee Price. Actual weapons firing is controlled by the Tactical Officer (TACO) in the ship’s Combat Direction Center (CDC).
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