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The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) continues Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), which means simulated deployment exercises continue to intensify. Today, HSTCSG units practiced a strait transit, simulating traveling through a narrow body of water, utilizing tight maneuvering tactics, and experiencing onboard operational changes.
With this evolution comes a significant, temporary change with the Collection Holding and Transfer (CHT) system and potable water conservation. “During a straits transit, we are going inside three nautical miles [of land,] and we have to secure our CHT systems and keep everything going inboard,” said Cmdr. Nicholas Manzini, Truman’s Chief Engineer (CHENG). “We will also be inside 12 nautical miles, so we have to secure potable water production.”
The aircraft carrier is largely self-sufficient, but changes in water production and waste disposal impact operations and Sailors’ routines. The simulated straits transit will last approximately four hours, a fraction of the duration of an actual transit through the Suez Canal or the Strait of Gibraltar.
The crew will need to preserve water and work within certain conservation parameters to ensure the water onboard will last the duration of the transit because of the limited potable water. During the simulation, water for showering is secured and for hygiene and hydration reasons, the gyms close.
For crew safety, potable water will run for 15 minutes at the top of every hour to ensure the crew has access to water for drinking and sterilizing. Hand sanitizer is available, and it is highly recommended that the crew fill their water bottles to stay hydrated. The culinary specialists serve meals on paper plates to eliminate the need to use water for cleaning, and all trash will be held on station for the duration of the evolution.
The transit will also affect the CHT system, which holds approximately 98,000 gallons of waste. Typical drainage rates for the crew of around 5,000 Sailors is 14,000 gallons per hour, and Truman could exceed CHT capacity in seven hours on an actual deployed straits transit, which is why this evolution is necessary.
“If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down,” said Manzini. Reducing the amount of drainage into the CHT system and increasing waste holding time will allow Team Truman to transit safely in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
Whether the simulated transit today is your first or you’ve been through the straits before, it’s important to listen to the 1MC and follow the directions provided. Stay hydrated by filling water bottles when the water is on, refrain from showering or using the gym, and reduce waste discharge by only flushing waste when necessary.
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2024 04:21 |
| Story ID: | 488393 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Straight & Narrow, by PO2 Timothy Conroy, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
