rickusn

put to good use. Ive always thought that officers shouldnt be trusted with ship handling in the first place. LOL :

Ramage Gets Underway With All Enlisted Watch Team
Story Number: NNS070118-07
Release Date: 1/18/2007 2:40:00 PM


By Ensign Josh Estevan, USS Ramage Public Affairs

ABOARD USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Ramage (DDG 61) got underway from a recent port visit with an all enlisted bridge watch team as the guided-missile destroyer continues to support Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility.

Bridge watches usually are served by junior officers, but an increasing number of enlisted Sailors aboard Ramage are broadening their professional qualifications to serve in these roles. Two Sailors have qualified as Officer of the Deck (OOD) and several more are working toward that significant accomplishment.

"This sea detail was a very unique and enjoyable experience for me,” said Chief Fire Controlman (SW) William Miller, who served as OOD for the all-enlisted sea detail. “I'm very proud of our enlisted watch team’s ability to safely navigate Ramage, and I hope that other commands will follow in the example we've set."

Miller was joined by Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW) Michael Sweitzer as the Conning Officer, Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/FMF) Joseph Burmeister as the Tactical Communicator/Radar Operator, Senior Chief Quartermaster (SW) Dennis Amador as the Navigator and Yeoman 2nd Class (SW) Jacob Beckelhymer as Helm Safety Officer.

“Our Sailors are extremely capable, and we have to take advantage of that talent. For me, it’s about someone demonstrating the maturity, capability and understanding to handle the watch regardless of pay grade or rating,” said USS Ramage Commanding Officer Cmdr. James Dick. “That’s especially important as we rotate junior officers under the current division officer sequencing plan. Our enlisted Sailors, with their three to five year tours, become a great source of continuity for the ship.”

In addition to the typical tasks a bridge watch team may encounter during a regular sea detail, this team also managed requirements such as seamanship training team (STT) drills. These drills help to test the ability of watch standers in handling challenging situations.

Their skills also were tested by a low visibility drill and a simulated loss of the ship’s gyro compass.

In support of Combined Task Force 150 during its deployment, Ramage has helped set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. The focus of these operations is to prevent international terrorist organizations from using the maritime environment as a venue from which to launch attacks, move people, weapons or other material.

Ramage is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer assigned to the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group homeported in Norfolk, Va. Ramage departed Oct. 3 for a regularly scheduled deployment.