USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) has been working hard and has the certifications to prove it. U.S. Navy Photo

Bradley Sets The Tone

By Ensign Bryan Koehler
COMNAVSURFGRU Two

USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) gets an A plus for its hard work.

For the past six months, Bradley has been completing the basic phase of the Inter-Deployment Training Cycle. This phase recently concluded following an outstanding White Cell Final Evaluation Period.

The crew's diligence, hard work, and long hours devoted to preparation have resulted in Bradley being prepared to handle any mission assigned.

Through completion of the basic phase, the ship has obtained certifications in Aviation, Supply, 3M Maintenance, Engineering, Communications, Search and Rescue, Navigation and Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection.

The cycle began last September with the Afloat Training Group N43 initial engineering assessment. Bradley excelled in this assessment, entering the third day of operations with all major equipment cleared for operation.

The ship was well prepared for material cold and hot checks; and the ship's ability to self assess was evaluated as fully effective.

During Deck Division's Search and Rescue Swimmer Certification Phase I, it was determined that RGB could complete Phase II at the same time.

The First Lieutenant, Lt.j.g. David Wolfe, and BMCS(SW) Skeete led the division of motivated boatswain mates to a successful completion of both Phase I and II, along with the deck portion of CART II simultaneously. Plus, it was all done two weeks early.

A major milestone was completed during Bradley's Maintenance and Material Management 3M Baseline Assessment.

After the first day of the baseline look, the assessment was turned into a full 3M certification with a 98.2 percent performance rate in PMS and a spot check completion rate of 100 percent.

During October, ship and crew sailed to the VACAPES Operating Area to participate in a highly intensive PASSEX with a Canadian naval task group. USS McFaul (DDG 74) also participated in this exercise.

The first event was an advanced coordinated anti-submarine exercise in which participating units were tasked to search, detect, track, and prosecute the Los Angeles-class submarine, USS Minneapolis Saint Paul (SSN 708).

Immediately following the five-hour exercise, all units engaged in an electronic warfare and air detection exercise in which Bradley tactically demonstrated its ability to identify and jam diverse emitters while simultaneously tracking inbound aircraft.

The ship also participated in a Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) with the HMS Iroquois and USS McFaul.

RGB completed the ATG N43 underway engineering demonstration in early December, earning an adjective grade of ''Above Average.''

The ship quickly moved through the safety walk, cleared material checks, and demonstrated proficiency in underway operations.

Throughout the training cycle, Bradley's crew worked hard to ensure the Engineering plant and spaces were ready. The Engineering department successfully completed the basic engineering and casualty control drills and evolutions.

In January, RGB completed an ordnance onload in Yorktown, Va., and completed successful Mk 15 Close In Weapons System and 76mm gun TDU shoots.

A TDU is a sleeve towed behind a Lear jet as an aerial target.

In February, Bradley completed a highly successful Cruise Missile Tactical Qualification (CMTQ). The CMTQ team lead by Lt. Walter Bonilla, as Tactical Action Officer, and OS1(SW) Botsford, as Surface Evaluator, did a superb job of obtaining three for three successful harpoon engagements in the scenario run by ATG Mayport.

Bradley also completed its communications readiness assessment by COMDESRON 14 in February. OC Division stood out by earning more than 95 percent in administration, systems knowledge, and operations.

Bradley completed the basic phase of training with a White Cell Final Evaluation Problem (FEP). A White Cell is a FEP that is administered by ATG Mayport where the ship's training teams are folded into the two Condition III watches being evaluated.

This intensive, comprehensive battle problem covered a period of four days, stressing the ship's command, control, and communications.

Bradley got underway early to prepare the crew for entering Naval Station Mayport, which doubled this morning as the port of Curacao. The first three days of the battle problems were geared towards anti-terrorism and force protection.

A few days later, the ship got underway again to demonstrate its proficiency in undersea, surface, anti-air and electronic warfare areas.

The final battle problem included a mass conflagration damage control scenario with several Engineering casualties. Also evaluated was the medical mass casualty bill.

Bradley is now moving on to the intermediate and advanced phases of training as it prepares for Group Sail 03-2, the multi-national naval exercise, and deployment.