June 9, 2010 - USS WEST VIRGINIA, At Sea (NNS) -- USS West Virginia (SSBN 736)(B) welcomed 49 midshipmen for Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) 2010 June 2.
Midshipmen from NROTC units across the East Coast embark for 48-hour underway periods designated to indoctrinate the midshipmen into life at sea aboard a ballistic-missile submarine.
Twenty-seven of the midshipmen are females, a first for the crew of West Virginia since the April 29 announcement that female officers may now serve aboard submarines. The initial integration plan will have three female officers assigned to ballistic missile and guided-missile submarines, like West Virginia.
From the moment the midshipmen arrive, they assimilate into the daily routine of life aboard a submarine. Following a safety brief and tour, the midshipmen are provided orientation cards and encouraged to get out and experience living and working conditions aboard an SSBN by shadowing West Virginia crew members.
As part of the submarine indoctrination, midshipmen experience activities such as battle stations missile, time at the helms and planes, angles and dangles, and damage control demonstrations. Overall, the CORTRAMID embark is an all hands event that showcases the best of the ship and crew.
"I was thoroughly impressed by the enthusiasm and energy of the midshipmen and the crew. It was evident during my discussions with the midshipmen that they were extremely impressed by the knowledge, experience and maturity of our crew," said Cmdr. Michael Katahara, West Virginia (SSBN 736)(B) commanding officer. "It is a real testament to our ship, the submarine force and the Navy that the people who operate this ship were the true highlight of the event."
Throughout the cruise, midshipmen remain by the side of their "Mountaineer" shipmates to experience firsthand every compartment, forward and aft, from the galley to the bridge – and to ask questions. The Mountaineers proudly show the boat – and explain the operations of systems and the importance of the watchstations.
"I was impressed at their energy and enthusiasm toward all things submarine. All the midshipmen were eager to learn about not just what we do, but what our lives were like living and working underwater for extended periods of time," said Electronic Technician 1st Class Justin Tarbox.
West Virginia anticipates hosting more than 250 midshipmen throughout the summer cruise season with the goal of showcasing the Navy, and the Submarine Force.
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