By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Mark R. Alvarez, USS Essex Public Affairs
The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) successfully completed its Unit Level Assessment-Sustainment (ULTRA-S) Nov. 18, during the ship's fall patrol throughout East and Southeast Asia.
A team of inspectors from the Afloat Training Group Western Pacific (ATGWP) came aboard Essex to conduct a three-day evaluation of the ship's proficiency in many different warfare areas.
ATGWP reviewed areas such as engineering, damage control, combat systems, medical readiness, aviation maintenance material management, seamanship and navigation.
"This was a great opportunity to gauge ourselves against outside observers," said Essex's Commanding Officer, Capt. Brian Donegan. "As always, we learned a lot; it was an outstanding success."
ULTRA-S is an ATGWP review designed to evaluate a ship's readiness across different warfare areas. The goal is to ensure surface force units perpetuate the highest possible levels of proficiency. The inspectors also look to see if a ship can sustain the standards established at Final Evaluation Period over time.
"After many hours of inspections, briefings and training, Essex Sailors were right on target," said Yeoman 1st Class (SW/AW) Jose J. Cintron, Damage Control Training Team member. "We made sure Sailors on board Essex were prepared to react and execute under any circumstances, which is what we proved to ATGWP during this inspection."
A few of the drills were shipwide and involved the entire crew, while other drills focused on specific teams like the at-sea fire party, duty sections or repair lockers.
"Essex did an excellent job on the events they were evaluated," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Darrell Cook, ATGWP member.
Essex is conducting its fall patrol throughout East and Southeast Asia and will continue to build relationships and enhance security and stability throughout the region.
Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for Commander Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. CTF 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
