Iwo Jima Takes Damage Control Olympics

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Travis Kuykendall, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

April 30, 2010 - PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- The damage control team from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) took first place, for the second time in 3 years, at Fleet Week Port Everglades' 10th Annual Damage Control (DC) Olympics, April 27.

The event tested the knowledge, skills and readiness of each service member in a series of realistic DC scenarios.

"It was exhilarating and definitely got my blood pumping," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Ray M. Klett. "It's extremely similar to an actual casualty and more realistic than training we receive onboard the ship."

Along with Iwo Jima Sailors, crew members from the guided-missile frigate USS Halyburton (FFG 40), the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Key Biscayne (WPB 1339), and the German air defense frigate FGS Hessen (F 221) participated in the DC Olympics.

The event was coordinated by Resolve Marine Group, Inc., a company that trains service members as well as commercial ships and cruise lines in shipboard firefighting and damage control.

"DC Olympics is hosted to honor the Navy, provide competition and present a challenge to Sailors," said Denise Johnston, vice president of Resolve Marine Group. "We also teach tips and tricks to the participants on how to fight fires."

The competition consisted of pipe patching, P-100 relay, search and rescue drill, fire attack, and a relay race testing firefighters' speed in donning protective equipment. The Iwo Jima DC team placed first in three events, second in two and ultimately was chosen as this year's winner.

"We did it back in 2008, so for us it's just a repeat," said Klett. "It will bring morale to the shop and make us feel like we really did accomplish something."

With Iwo Jima's big engineering inspection nearing, a performance like the one today establishes confidence within its Sailors.

"Competition always brings out the best in you so you can compare how you're doing against everyone else," said Lt. j.g. V.J. P. Macasaet, Iwo Jima assistant damage control assistant. "Based on today's results, I think we're doing pretty well. It feels good having the validation knowing you can do the job."

Iwo Jima is participating in the 20th Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida's annual celebration of the Maritime Services. More than 2,500 American and German Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in a number of community outreach activities and enjoy the hospitality and tourism of South Florida.