Gary Wise News

After successfully completing over 10 drills during a three-day period, USS Tarawa (LHA1) passed the Unit Level Training Readiness Assessment Sustainment (ULTRA-S) inspection June 28. Alpha fires, mines in the water, man overboard and intruder on the quarterdeck were some of the different types of drills Tarawa conducted. Throughout the inspection, Tarawa’s training teams in damage control, combat systems, force protection, medical and others were evaluated through training team scenarios by Afloat Training Group (ATG) Pacific. The assessment also covers seamanship, navigation and the Maintenance Material Management (3M) program. “ULTRA…

USS Ogden (LPD 5), the Navy’s oldest active amphibious ship, is currently serving as the Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) for the multinational maritime coalition operating in the North Persian Gulf. As the AFSB for Commander, Task Group (CTG) 158.1, the 41-year-old amphibious transport dock is providing logistical support for the various forces that are protecting Iraq’s territorial waters and oil platforms, as well as serving as a training platform for Iraqi sailors and marines. “The crew is having a wonderful time,” said Cmdr. James Hruska, Ogden’s commanding officer. On the bridge, Ogden Sailors work and stand watches alongside Iraqi naval officers.