It's hot & humid operating in the #ArabianSea—like egg-frying on the flight deck kinda hot & the air is moist. (we don't use that word lightly). And if that isn't enough our Sailors go through Security Reaction Force-B’s OC-spray course. Yep, they get pepper sprayed. A thread.
OC stands for oleoresin capsicum, a safe, water-activated, deterrent for aggression. Symptoms include irritation of the eyes & skin and increased mucus production. Sailors must power through the discomfort and demonstrate situational awareness before starting the next challenge.
Next, the Sailors must show proficiency in a mechanical advantage control holds, which is used to help secure aggressors. (And at this point Sailors are questioning their life choices).
Sailors must then demonstrate, through a series of challenges, expertise with baton strikes and blocks. This is often described as the most tiring part of the course.
Finally, the most daunting challenge—fighting the Red Man. This is where Sailors test their grit and show their skills in hand-to-hand combat, baton strikes and baton retention.
They must also do a final mechanical advantage control hold takedown using the baton before they can start decontamination and qualify as a member of the Security team. #GreaterEachDay#WeLikeIke#ForceProtection
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There are lots of colors on the flight deck! This helps differentiate between rates and positions, so what might seem like chaos is actually a perfectly orchestrated evolution. A thread. #GreaterEachDay#WeLikeIke
Oh, yellow! We didn’t see you there! Sailors in yellow are usually aircraft directors or shooters. They are always aware of the movements that occur on the flight deck. #GreaterEachDay#WeLikeIke
It’s not easy being green! They are usually ABEs who maintain and operate catapults and arresting gear. #GreaterEachDay#WeLikeIke
Yesterday we saw what it takes to join the security team. Today, Lt. Cmdr. Robin Cunningham, Ike's Security Officer, tells us about the role they play in our mission. A thread. #GreaterEachDay#WeLikeIke
"We provide Law Enforcement and Force Protection services, freeing this mighty warship and her crew to do what they do best; launch and recover aircraft and protect America's interests on the high seas." #GreaterEachDay#WeLikeIke
"Whether IKE is in a foreign port or at sea, Security is responsible for keeping the ship and her crew safe from harm." #GreaterEachDay#WeLikeIke
Protecting U.S. and coalition forces as they conduct drawdown operations from #Afghanistan - a thread. Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Jose Valdez makes pre-flight adjustments to ordnance aboard the #MightyIKE in the Arabian Sea, April 29.
Sailors guide a F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet, attached to the #Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, on to a catapult on the flight deck of the #MightyIKE in the Arabian Sea, April 29.
Two F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets, attached to the #FightingSwordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, prepare to take off from the flight deck of the #MightyIKE in the Arabian Sea, April 29.
@mollieequick Great question. (a thread) We wondered the same thing, as he's not that big - if anything he's kinda skinny & frail. Here's what we found out when we walked into the Big XO's office & demanded to know why a skinny frail looking man is called the "Big XO". His words... 1/12
@mollieequick So we asked others from around the ship why the Big XO is named such. We first tried chatting with SUPPO, but he was asleep in his stateroom, which is why we call him Sleepy SUPPO. 3/12