Juneau Transitions from Trials to Workups

USS Juneau (LPD 10), the amphibious transport dock ship of the USS Essex (LHD 2) Expeditionary Strike Group, completed the initial workup process with the Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Oct. 4. During the workups, which began when Juneau departed White Beach Naval Facility Sept. 29 after onloading Marines and their equipment, the ship and its crew have recovered landing craft, air cushions (LCACs), embarked a landing craft utility (LCU), certified Marine pilots for deck landings (DLQs), and launched and recovered combat rubber raiding crafts (CRRCs).

The successful workups come after the ship recently exited a three-month ship’s restricted availability (SRA) period, in which Juneau underwent an overhaul with much of its systems and overall material condition. Juneau conducted a series of sea trials and then went right to training with the Marines. Juneau’s first day back on the water was Sept. 16. The ship charted a course toward Yokosuka to run the Ships Electrical Systems Evaluation Facility (SESEF) range and a myriad of other evolutions all to ensure Juneau’s readiness for operations at sea. Juneau began what would be a successful run on the SESEF range, Sept. 20. During her transit to and from Yokosuka, Juneau’s engineering department conducted a number of procedures in order to complete a rigorous post-SRA sea trial schedule.

After completing the SESEF range, Juneau returned to Sasebo, anchoring out in the Sasebo Harbor to onload the ammunition needed for the fall patrol. The ship took on fuel and then departed again Sept. 23 for White Beach and the reunion with the MEU. One of Juneau’s feats back at sea has been a night time underway replenishment. On the evening of Sept. 25, Juneau took station alongside USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) to execute an evening underway replenishment. Juneau and her crew safely steered to within 200 feet of Diehl and matched speeds as lines were sent between the two vessels. After all rigging was complete, Juneau received almost 90,000 pounds of fuel and transferred packages across a high line. The evolution was a superb training event for all hands and satisfied the requirement for an important mobility and seamanship (MOB-S) certification, said Alexander. Source: NavNews

By Ens. Sarah Thomas, USS Juneau Public Affairs