Readiness Training with USS PREBLE, 8 July
Formal planning for the Readiness Training Activity commenced on our arrival at San Diego. CDR John Wade USN, CO of PREBLE, with his key officers, came aboard TE KAHA for a planning meeting; later a return visit allowed more planning and our Flight Crew to plan cross-deck helo operations.
As our Task Group sailed on 7 July, we passed PREBLE entering harbour after a families day. The inter-ship communications aspects of the training activity were already under way. TE KAHA refuelled from ENDEAVOUR then detached overnight to join PREBLE next day in San Diego Roads. The sea exercise areas were busy, with an aircraft carrier, other ships and numerous helicopters and aircraft undertaking various exercises.
After meeting PREBLE, six personnel from each ship were exchanged for the day, by boat transfer. TE KAHA conducted Officer of the Watch manoeuvres by voice radio and flag signal, as both ship headed for the gunnery area where the PREBLE took charge of a 5” surface shoot.
Cross-deck helo operations followed, with TE KAHA’s Seasprite undertaking deck landings, ship-controlled approaches and winching with the PREBLE.
A planned light jackstay had to be cancelled; instead, the ships undertook a series of replenishment approaches. Warned of an ongoing USN tradition, the RAS approaches also included a rapid exchange of water balloons, master-minded by the junior officers. A direct hit on PREBLE’s XO allowed us to claim victory!
The communications exercise continued through the day, and in fact was maintained for several days more. A boat transfer returned the cross-deck personnel to the correct ship, before TE KAHA headed west for Hawaii. Of note eight USN and USCG personnel were also aboard TE KAHA and ENDEAVOUR to sea ride for the passage to Honolulu.
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