During the months of July and August, eight Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy embarked Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) for their summer training program.
The Midshipmen were immersed in naval operations including helicopter, small boat, damage control, anti-submarine warfare and navigation while underway. Lassen went underway weekly in preparation for an upcoming inspection, which exposed the Midshipmen to the ship’s rigorous schedule.
“I appreciated the crew’s willingness to work long hours in preparation for a major material inspection conducted on surface ships ever four to five years, while still taking time to educate and work with the Midshipmen,” said Midshipman 1st Class Andrew Garcia, from South Pasadena, California.
The goal of the cruise was for each Midshipman to become familiar with the lives of their running mates, sponsors assigned to each midshipmen during their embark aboard the ship. 1st class midshipmen were assigned to junior officers, while 3rd Class were partnered with enlisted Sailors.
Lassen, assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is forward-deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
[mappress] Press Release, September 25, 2014; Image: US Navy