The Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Porter has departed Plymouth, following a port visit during a storm.
“This was a working port for the Sailors aboard Porter,” said Cmdr. Craig Trent, commanding officer of Porter.
“Our English allies gave our ship and crew the ability to shelter in place as storms passed in order to continue to train and maintain mission readiness.”
While in port, the ship earned certifications from three embarked Sailors from Afloat Training Group Norfolk. Overall, the ship conducted 15 damage control drills ensuring the ship’s responses are efficient to a wide range of scenarios.
“The crew has been extremely busy while in England,” said Lt. Andrea Olachia, damage control assistant aboard the ship.
“We conducted drills nearly every day while in port, from individual locker drills to flying squad, and topped it off with three general quarters drills. We demonstrated our crew’s ability to combat a variety of casualties that the ship could encounter. Damage control training is invaluable and it’s important for all Sailors to possess the skill sets necessary to put out a fire, stop a flood or even operate after a chemical, biological, radiological attack. We all hope that we never have to do more than drill for these types of scenarios, but if the time ever comes, I am confident the crew will be prepared to fight and ultimately save our ship.”
The US Navy say that the USS Porter is working with allies and regional partners to ‘help develop and improve maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work toward mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe’.
Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, was conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
The ship departed from Naval Station Rota, Spain at the end of last year.
Deckhead looks untidy!
Storm Damage !
I was in the CIC of HMS Edinburgh when it was on its paying off tour. There was cable and kit all over the place, as new systems had been added over the years on a ship a bit too small for it all. One of the reasons the Darings are so big, I imagine.
Why would you put a wall over systems that need to be easily accessed for repair. A false ceiling is defined by NAVSEA as a unnecessary luxury. Like climate control beyond the normal two settings freeze your balls off or boil alive.
Obviously you guys have never been on a warship before. lol. It’s not a Disney Cruise ship dudes! It’s designed to do 1 thing and 1 thing only. Fight. These ships are being upgraded all the time with new and updated systems so it makes little sense to have everything tucked away out of sight and hard to get to.
How are they lashed up badly? They are secured, they are bundled with wires of like function and destination, and are clearly functioning. What more could you ask for? Wood paneling?
Well actually I spent the first part of my working life in fitting out both commercial and military shipping with nav aids. Of course some cabling etc is on view for practical purposes! However, I would expect the use of cable trays as a minimum with that amount of kit. The bridge looks like the interior of a 50s radio….just an observation….there will be a reason for this!!
Oh, whilst I am on the topic of presentation, do the US Navy supply a uniform anymore? Or do they hand out a bag badges and some Nike vouchers….what happened to No8s? Just asking!
That might account for the guy in the middle….
Cable trays are not required.
https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Portals/103/Documents/SSRAC/NSI/FY19/Individuals/009-73_FY19.pdf
Navsea Standard items tell you all you need to know about how to do repairs and stuff on a USN warship and what criteria you must meet. Its an interesting read if you have a spare week to kill and no life!
No surprise the Burke’s are maxed out equipment wise. They really need to get a new design in the water quick