USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) returned to sea for sea trials after a four-month phased maintenance availability Nov. 29.
Kearsarge left BAE Systems, the shipyard contracted to complete repairs and upgrades for two days of sea trials.
The intent of sea trials is to test a ship’s systems and crew performance after a prolonged period of maintenance and construction.
During the two-day period, the crew conducted full power runs, steering checks, anchorage and ballasting demonstrations, self defense detect-to-engagement and navigation certification.
“We are looking forward to getting out to sea and doing what we’re supposed to be doing,” said Kearsarge Commanding Officer, Capt. Dorian F. Jones before getting underway. “And that is being Sailors. It’s been a long four months, but now it’s time for Kearsarge to raise her flag again.”
Following a successful light-off assessment, the ship underwent two days of fast cruises just before Thanksgiving to return the crew to a sea-going mentality.
“The intent was to polish rusty skills,” said Jones. “We wanted to do those things to get you back into the mindset of being at sea.”
Kearsarge began PMA July 20, and officially completed it on schedule Nov. 30.
“ The professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by the entire crew over the past four months has been unbelievable,” said Jones. “They have gone above and beyond to get Kearsarge ready to leave the shipyard. Bold Alligator 2012 is our next big high profile event, and I expect our Sailors to shine just as bright during that major amphibious exercise.”
Kearsarge is scheduled to participate in Exercise Bold Alligator in January. Bold Alligator is an annual joint exercise between the Marine Corps and Navy amphibious forces to hone the skills necessary to launch amphibious strikes when and where they are needed.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 02, 2011; Image: navy