BWXT $ $
. Minimum 20 minute delay.
. Minimum 20 minute delay.
What exactly goes into bringing the U.S. Navy’s mission to life? Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Suzy Sterner recently was granted a rare and unique opportunity to get a firsthand look at the dedication, professionalism and sheer magnitude of operations it takes to power an aircraft carrier while at sea.
The experience on board the USS George Washington, spanning just about 24 hours, began with a briefing on base and a tour before a thrilling Osprey flight. This hybrid aircraft can operate as a helicopter or airplane, and the group got to enjoy both. After a safety briefing and introduction, Suzy and the other group members were immersed in Navy action. The flight deck was a hive of constant movement, with pilots taking off and landing for qualifications and recertifications. Suzy also had the opportunity to explore the “island,” the carrier’s command center, and witness the complex coordination required to maintain operations.
“The physical fitness needed by every individual is amazing,” Suzy said. “They’re up and down on ladders all the time and maneuver through narrow hallways with “knee knockers” every 10 to 20 feet. They have to be reminded to go to the hangar or flight deck to get sunshine every week.”
A highlight of the visit was a tour of the reactor area and full access observation of a middle-of-the-night (1:30 a.m. – 3 a.m.) drill, which brought a greater perspective on BWXT’s work to power our Navy.
“Everything we do, from the smallest weld to the largest pressure vessel, matters and must be right,” she said. “We provide the power and propulsion for a moving city, ensuring these sailors have access to the systems they need to meet the mission that keeps our nation and global waterways safe.”
Beyond the technical aspects of the carrier, Suzy said she was inspired by the camaraderie, dedication and esprit de corps among the crew at every level.
“You expect it with the symphony that is flight ops (literally planes launching and landing every other minute!), but it was also evident in places like food service where they feed thousands of people on rotating three-hour shifts,” Suzy added. “In the reactor area, they run drills 5+ days a week. Even the passion of the engine repair guy was contagious. Every single sailor I talked to cares about what they do and their mission.”
As Suzy prepared to leave the ship, she reflected on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I was also struck by the effort that goes into everything. I think we all have a misperception that the carriers are just out there waiting for action, but in reality, the crew is in constant practice and perfect mode,” she said. “I saw regular teaching going on, and it’s clear everyone is ready for active engagement at any moment. They take this seriously, and it shows.”
Suzy said she is thankful to GO President Kevin McCoy for nominating her to participate in the program and to Reactor Officer Captain Richard Skinnell, who is a native of Lynchburg, Virginia!
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