Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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K w be in OA Division is responsible for all meteorologic and oceanographic function board the ESSEX. In addition to the standard weather observations and forecasts supports the embarked commands on board the ESSEX with upto date Wea forecasting. The launching of weather balloons and satellite data are important p of OA,s operation. Weather balloons provide data for upper le stability of the atmosphere. Satellite data is used to provide accurate weather forecasts and is also used for weather systems tracking. The division consists of a METOC officer, a division Senior Chief, three forecasters, and eight observers. AGI D BRIGGS AGI c Rnnvns A - G1 J. ROTH AG2 T CROSB - Y AG3 A KAHEAKU W .. f .ff

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OPERATIONS PHOTO: CDR V. IFILL OPERATIONS OFFICER PLAN AND EXECUTE Operations Department is comprised of six divisions from OA to OZ. These divisions are as follows: MeterologyCOAJg Helicopter Direction CenterCOCJg Combat Information CenterQOD, Ship' s Signals Exploitation SpaceCOSJg Electronic WarfareCOWJg and Intelligence! MediafOZj consisting of the Joint Intelligence Center, Photo Lab, and SITE-TV work centers. All of these divisions work independently within their special fields while also sharing valuable information to help defend the ship or assist in mounting an offensive. As a whole, Operations Department is the focal point for planning, coordination and execution of the command, s 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. Operations Department personnel are highly professional individuals who execute their duties with intense conviction and dedication, representative of the overall attitude of ESSEX' crew. Personnel from the entire department worked flawlessly supporting the numerous well deck and flight deck missions for international exercise SEA SOLDIER, EASTERN MAVERICK, EAGER MACE, TANDEM THRUST and OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. As always on board ESSEX, Operations Department personnel worked through a very challenging schedule and displayed great flexibility and teamwork necessary in the joint-force environment. Electronic Warfare Technicians unload spent canisters .R lscqswmwy NIKOLA em from one of the ship 's port side SRBOC launchers. 137 '-, Q...

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'4 'Q 'x- p-:ni-' 3 4 I . l 1 I AGAN J. KELLER AGAN R. WASHBURN AGAA A. ENNIS I 1 i 2 I l AGAA I. MBANG AGAA J. MIDDLETON AGAA J. WILSON rl. f 5 ar,-L r'7Tf Y TOP LEFT: Washburn! I said, DON'T connect the dots! TOP RIGHT: Wand tomorrow, much ofthe same. Some clouds, some wind, somefog, and a lot ofwater! ABOVE: Up, up and away goes my beautU94l balloon! ENNIS was very lonely this deployment. LEFT: I Can't believe they actually took my laser pointer away! GN is .,p ,c9 ,.g -ag up 1 H I 1 39 W w ' ' ,Aw 'Via