Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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OPERATIONS 1

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AC fzrci X n CDR C CHENOWETH Department Head MAJ C F CLARK Assistant DH L T M E SHAKLIK Operations Admin. OPERATIONS The Operations Department is the focal point for planning coordination and execution of ESSEX missions. These missions range from complex LCAC and Flight Deck operations in support of amphibious exercises and nationally tasked operations, to underway replenishments and integrated training to prepare the ship for any contingency. The department encompasses the Combat Information Center, the true nerve center of the ship and the entity which affects each operational mission. Working closely with CIC is the Electronic Warfare Division, which brings a full suite of electronic surveillance and protective capability to enhance the defenses of the ship. The Operations Department also includes the Helicopter Directional Center, which expertly maintains the fluidity of a demanding flight plan and controls over 30 aircraft that are integral to Navy Marine Corps missions. The Joint Intelligence Center and Ship ' s Signals Exploitation Space are also the Operations Department ' s umbrella. JIC and SSES collect, analyze and disseminate vital information concerning existing threats, geopolitical climate and military conditions to allow Marine and Navy warfighters to perform their missions with minimal risk. The Operations Department ' s full Meteorological Center is capable of charting weather activity and determining how weather conditions will affect ESSEX operations. The Operations Department ' s personnel are highly professional individuals who discharge their duties with the intense conviction and dedication representative of the overall attitude of ESSEX ' crew. Operations Department flawlessly engineered numerous Well Deck and hundreds of Flight Deck missions for international exercises Eager Mace, Nautical Mantis and Iron Magic and for Operation United Shield. The Operations Department worked through a highly dynamic schedule and displayed the flexibility and sense of teamwork necessary in the joint environment.