The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) completed weapons transfers with the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) while moored outboard, Nov. 16.
Frank Cable’s executive officer, Capt. Timothy Sparks , was impressed by how well the Sailors and civilian mariners (CIVMARS) worked together to complete the evolution.
“It is a great honor to watch the CIVMAR and MILPERS crewmembers come together to execute these vital core capabilities of the tender,” said Sparks. “Weapon movements outboard of the ship, with the cranes and by the tender Weapons Department handling team have not been exercised for several years.”
The integration of military and civilian personnel aboard Frank Cable played a vital role in the crane operations and provided a well-rounded team to carry out the assignment without delay.
“This is a MSC (Military Sealift Command) (operated) ship, and they are the crane operators, but we are still an integrated group” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Anthony Tapia. “Working together makes them proficient, it makes us proficient, and it brings other elements to the command and to the Navy.”
Along with proving how effective Frank Cable crew members perform together, the Sailors and CIVMARS also demonstrated their ability to efficiently carry out the ship’s mission of supporting submarines in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
“We have proven our capability to replenish submarine Advance Capability (ADCAP) Torpedoes and Tomahawk Cruise missiles from the tender which is very exciting,” said Sparks. “The tender provides the unique capability of being a mobile weapons magazine that can perform these weapon load outs in any port in the Western Pacific as directed by Commander Submarine Group Seven.”
Capt. Pete Hildreth, Frank Cable’s commanding officer, commended the crew on their abilities to perform ordnance handling outboard the ship.
“It was an impressive sight and demonstrated the restoration of our weapons handling capabilities after completing an extensive seven month overhaul,” said Hildreth. “Well done to all members of the Frank Cable team who made this evolution a safe and successful weapons handling event.”
Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff,November 21, 2012; Image: US Navy