Enterprise Successfully Completes Final Evaluation

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Croft, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) successfully completed their Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Period (FEP) Aug. 22, moving the aircraft carrier one step closer to deployment.

Thirty-two members from the Afloat Training Group (ATG), Atlantic evaluated Enterprise's crew during more than 200 complex unit level exercises, placing emphasis on the ship's Integrated Training Team's (ITT) ability to conduct training and assess the ship's watch-standing, warfighting and survival capabilities across all required warfare areas.

"The ship did great," said Lt. Clem V. Gattano, ATG's carrier training liaison officer. "Every aspect of training and evaluation went exactly like I had hoped. Everyone did great."

The ITT is comprised of multiple training teams including, combat systems, damage control, medical, seamanship, navigation and air teams. The training team has reached a level of proficiency that has enabled them to properly integrate and conduct advanced strike group exercises.

In particular, ATG recognized the damage control training team for their level of professionalism and dedication across the board.

"Every member of the damage control training team should be very proud," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Jeff B. Foster, ATG's damage control team leader. "Their leadership and ability to train really shows in the Sailors under them. Every Sailor I had the pleasure of working with had a great attitude and was eager to learn."

During the two-day FEP, Enterprise Sailors successfully demonstrated their ability to respond to major conflagration and mass casualties, as well as conduct torpedo evasion maneuvers, underway fueling and man overboard exercises amongst many other drills throughout the ship.

With TSTA and FEP complete, Enterprise will conduct flight operations in advance of its return to homeport of Norfolk. However, the crew must immediately begin preparations for its next hurdle, the Composite Training Unit Exercise

"Now that we have passed the final evaluation period, we have to make sure to keep up on our training and exercises," said Lt. Cmdr. Vanessa Givens, Enterprise's training officer. "We have to sustain the proficiency level we are currently at."

Enterprise is conducting work-ups and flight deck operations in preparation for its upcoming deployment.