USS Nimitz Departs Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton March 5, to conduct sea trials and complete its homeport shift to Naval Station Everett, Wash.

The ship has been in Bremerton for the past 15 months conducting a Docked Planned Incremental Availability where the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Ship’s crew completed a $239 million maintenance package that included upgrades to the carrier’s self-defense, combat, navigation and potable water systems.

“The talent and professionalism this crew demonstrated in getting our ship underway is a testament to the hard work, training and dedication of all hands during our maintenance period,” said Nimitz Commanding Officer, Capt. Paul O. Monger. “This crew is confident in their abilities and in the work the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard/Nimitz team accomplished over the last year. We are ecstatic to be at sea again, and Nimitz is even more capable and effective than any time in her 37 years of service.”

While underway for sea trials, Nimitz is scheduled to test its equipment and procedures to include conducting high-power steering evolutions, testing the ship’s weapons and combat systems and conducting damage control drills.

“The most important thing about sea trials is to go out to sea, shake the Nimitz up and make sure that repairs that we completed were done correctly,” said Master Chief (SW) James Webster, Nimitz’ Engineering leading chief petty officer. “We went through DPIA and we’ve had so many new systems installed on board to make the equipment operate more efficiently, and the personnel have received adequate training on the new systems in place.”

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brent Hammond said the sea trials get junior Sailors up to speed. “It makes us more functional as a unit. We’ll know what’s expected of us, and we’ll be less likely to have any incidents, as a result. After we arrive in Everett, we’ll have a normal routine, and that’s a really good thing. “

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Naval Today Staff , March 07, 2012; Image: navy