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thedrifter
07-16-04, 06:05 AM
SS Wright serves Marines in training
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification #: 2004714144257
Story by Lance Cpl. Adam F. Testagrossa



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C.(Jun. 29, 2004) -- The SS Wright recently went on a two week T-AVB 3 training exercise to give Marines a chance to use their skills learned during real world applications and training.

The mission, titled Carolina Dragon taught the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 Marines aboard ship how to use their skills during deployment. The primary T-AVB mission is to provide dedicated sealift for movement of a MALS to support the rapid deployment of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft units.

Civilian Capt. Richard M. Malloy has been with the Wright since the start of desert storm in 1991. After serving aboard the ship for awhile, Malloy finally became its captain in 1996. Malloy was onboard with the Marines in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the gulf.
In the 1980's, the Marine Corps introduced the Marine Aviation Logistics Support Program. MALSP is a scenario for assembling the right mix of Marines, support equipment, mobile facilities, and spare parts within a MALS to support deployed aircraft.

The Wright is flexible in the way it can be rapidly configured to support the aircraft and deployment requirements.

The Wright recently was outfitted with several improvements. “New lighting, machine gun nest installations, a new armory as well as televisions and better internet for the crew have been installed,” said MALS-14 Commanding Officer Lt Col. Michael S. Cottreau. “This year we’ve been able to test the new equipment and see how everything will work out.”

“Our mission was to test the new upgrades made to the ship and maintain readiness of the crew which is compiled of Marines and civilians,” said Malloy. “This will help the Marines who would be using the ship when activated.”

To assist with the operation of the ship, a civilian commercial US Merchant Marine crew is stationed aboard the ship to monitor equipment conditions and conduct vessel maintenance and repair.

Malloy is happy with the way the training has been going on the ship. “They haven’t had anything that has hindered their schedule,” said Malloy.
He said the crew, weather and being able to accomplish everything needed successfully has been great.

Throughout the training period, the crew of the Wright has continuously been training by conducting drills and continuing exercises. To assist in the safety of the ship, the security forces onboard worked 12 hour shifts without question.

“All this training is vital because of the new gear we’ve installed has to be tested,” said Cottreau. “This will help the crew acclimatize and be able to use the new gear,” said Cottreau.
Besides all the new gear being added to the ship, the Wright is able to carry a vast load of supplies as well as crew over long distances. Transportation includes up to 210 functional, 59 non-functional and 80 supply/storage vans. The Wright posses a self-sustained lift capability for pier-side load/offload of cargo and equipment containers. The Wright has a maximum load of up to 644 maintenance supply/storage vans if none of the vans are in a functional mode.
When not in use, the ship is in a five day Reduced Operating Status which allows for a transition to full operating status within 120 hours.

The Wright is versatile and is an import role in wartime situations. It can support many types of missions and can change to what the mission requires.
“The concept of using the SS Wright for such a purpose is ahead of its time,” said Cottreau.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20047141500/$file/Pedro-low.jpg

Cherry Point's Pedro prepares to land on the SS Wright during a landing and takeoff exercise. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Adam F. Testagrossa

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/8F6EFA741B3190C985256ED10066CF62?opendocument


Ellie