US Navy’s USS Germantown (LSD 42) was recently awarded the 2014 Unit Tactics award in recognition of outstanding tactical proficiency throughout 2014. The ship’s crew completed numerous qualification events, participated in multi-national exercises, and executed rigorous material readiness inspections.
Earning the award was not an easy task considering where the ship started at the beginning of the 2014 competitive period with expired certifications in several warfare areas. To get these warfare areas recertified during the upcoming Afloat Readiness Group (ATG) assessed Abbreviated Basic Phase (ABP), the leadership had to establish an aggressive plan to get USS Germantown back on track.
The ship successfully recertified in 13 warfare areas on the first try.
Germantown won the award not just because they demonstrated the highest level of operational readiness, but also because they displayed tactical proficiency during their 2014 Fall Patrol. The ship covered over 18,000 nautical miles and spent 103 days at sea. The crew executed an arduous operational schedule including various training exercises with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment and USAF 33rd Rescue Squadron. Germantown conducted operations in Japan and the Republic of the Philippines where they carried out multiple amphibious assault and raid exercises.
Image: US Navy