Deck Officer Surface Officer Warfare School Documents Deck Officer Well Stern Gate Operations and Small Boat Considerations m Introduction to STREAM with viewgraphs m STREAM Transfer Stations m STAR/SURF/MK II Cargo Drop Reel/Heavy Lift m Fuel STREAM Transfer Stations m Underway Replenishment Planning m Flight Deck and Operations m Aircraft Carrier Organization m http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/index.html7/20/2006 23:00:00 INFORMATION SHEET Deck Officer INFORMATION SHEET WELL DECK/STERN GATE OPERATION AND SMALL BOAT CONSIDERATIONS Information Sheet 1.4 INTRODUCTION Assault landing craft range in size from about 36 feet to 135 feet in length. Landing craft are specifically designed and constructed to support the surface ship-to-shore movement of troops, cargo, and vehicles. Most landing craft are attached to the Assault Craft Unit of the Naval Beach Group, which provides LCMs, LCUs, and LCACs for assault transport and general lighterage duties. It is imperative that the assault boat coxswain understand and have complete familiarity with the theory of boat handling and the procedures utilized to operate the craft in a safe and efficient manner. It is also important for the First Lieutenant/Deck Officer to understand the operations and safety precautions associated with stern and well deck operations. REFERENCES (a) COMNAVSURFLANT/COMNAVSURFPACINST 3340.3 (B) (b) NAVSHIPS TECHNICAL MANUAL, CHAP 584 (c) COMNAVSURFLANT 3401.1 (B) (d) NWP 3-02.4 (e) Safe Engineering and Operations Manual for Landing Craft Air Cushion (SEOPS) Vol III INFORMATION A. EMBARKING AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT VEHICLES (AAVs) 1. Embarkation into the well deck may be accomplished during the following conditions: a. When the ship is at anchor b. When the ship is lying to or is underway with bare steerageway c. When the ship is pierside 2. The Well Deck Control Officer is in charge of the embarkation operation and also acts as the Approach Control Officer. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (1 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05 INFORMATION SHEET 3. Embarkation procedure a. The receiving ship ballasts to a depth of 3-6 feet over the sill (the base of the well deck or tank deck where the stern gate sits when stowed) and a dry well forward for AAV embarkation. b. The receiving ship calls in AAVs using signal flags or lights from the control station located aft on the main deck. Control lights and flags are used during day operations, while control lights and red/green wands are used during night operations. (1) Green light or green flag: "Ready to receive AAV" (2) Red light or red flag: "Not Ready to receive AAV" c. The operators drive their AAVs aboard front end first. (1) AAV drivers are guided by wand signals from the Petty Officer in Charge (POIC). The POIC directs the AAV into the well until the AAV is grounded. (2) When the AAV is grounded in the proper position, the POIC signals the AAV to shift to track drive and pivot 180 degrees. (3) The AAV then backs into the parking area. d. As soon as the AAV is turned and backed or towed clear of the well deck, another AAV will enter the well deck and the embarkation procedure will continue. e. When AAVs are stopped, AAV crewmen secure power to their vehicles. All personnel remain onboard their vehicle until embarkation is complete. B. SECURING THE AAVs AFTER EMBARKATION 1. Securing the AAVs to the well deck a. The ship will provide appropriate lashing/shoring/dunnage to the vehicle crew for securing the vehicles. The tank, AAV, or vehicle crew is responsible for securing their own equipment/vehicle(s) under the supervision of ship's force personnel. b. The ship is responsible for making sure that the vehicle(s) is/are properly secured. c. Lashing assemblies will never be attached to tracks, sprockets, or idler assemblies, nor will tracked vehicles be secured by passing lashing around the tracks. 2. Physical security of the AAVs a. The embarked unit is responsible for providing an integrity/security watch for http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (2 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05 INFORMATION SHEET its equipment. 3. Test running the AAVs a. The AAV unit commander must contact the ship's designated representative when desiring to test, operate, or move an AAV. b. The ship's representative will make sure that all cognizant ship's personnel are notified of the intended AAV operations and that all safety precautions have been taken. 4. Fuel Safety a. AAVs use diesel fuel but can use JP-5 or F-76. b. Although bulk Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) are classified as Landing Force Operational Reserve Material (LFORM), they may be consumed in training or in operations. AAV units drawing bulk POL during exercises are required to provide the ship with appropriate documentation within ten days. c. Permission must be obtained from the ship's OOD (underway) or CDO (in port) prior to refueling AAVs or transferring fuel from one AAV to another. d. Proper ventilation must be maintained to the well fueling area to expel all fumes. e. The smoking lamp shall be secured on the well deck. f. To reduce the danger of ignition of fuel from a static spark, the filling hose nozzle is provided with a grounding wire. g. The number of personnel on the vehicle should be kept to a minimum. C. PREPARING FOR AN AAV LAUNCH 1. Before launching the AAVs, close all hatches, ramps, and vents to avoid sinking the AAVs. The plenum air inlet grill should also be secured. 2. Warm-up AAVs in groups of not more than three to ensure engine exhaust fumes remain within capacity of well deck exhaust blowers. 3. Embark the troops a. Embark troops 20 to 40 minutes prior to launch. b. When crew/troops are embarked, AAV unit commander collects manifests from all AAVs and turns them over to the First Lieutenant/Combat Cargo Officer. D. DEBARKATION OF THE AAVs 1. The procedure is the same whether the ship is underway, at anchor, or lying to. a. Set Condition 1A (1A/modified 1A is set well deck operations and involved additional watchstanders on the http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (3 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05 INFORMATION SHEET bridge and in CIC as well as manning well deck and ballast control stations) and ballast to approximately one foot at the sill. b. Caution: It is absolutely essential that the stern gate be properly positioned. (1) Best position is at 0 degrees (horizontal) to - 3 degrees (below horizontal). c. AAV unit commanders have the responsibility for coordinating with the ship's personnel to make sure that the stern ramp will be positioned at the correct angle and that positive launch control procedures, to include both launch and abort signals, are clearly understood by all hands. d. AAVs will be launched in single column or in pairs. If launched in pairs, a minimum clearance of three feet must be maintained between vehicles. e. Underway launch of AAVs is safe at any speed up to 21.5 knots. f. Generally, it is easier to control the AAVs if launched while traveling at faster speeds. (1) At speeds over ten knots, AAVs may be launched at five second intervals. (2) The launch intervals should be increased to at least 10 seconds if the ship's speed is less than 10 knots. g. It is difficult for the AAV Unit Leader to determine when the last AAV in his column has been launched. This problem can be alleviated by using a prearranged signal from the ship. 2. The CO of the ship must determine the launch interval which is determined by: a. The ship's speed at the time of the launch (ordered by the CO) b. The width of line of departure (LOD) c. The width of area to be assaulted d. The number of AAVs to be launched E. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR ASSISTING DISABLED OR SINKING AAVs 1. Waterborne AAV assistance procedures a. It is the responsibility of the ship launching AAVs to ensure that a safety boat is available prior to launch. b. A safety boat will be present in the water whenever AAVs are to be launched and/or are waterborne. 2. Procedures when AAVs are disabled a. In fair weather, a safety boat or a rescue vehicle will come along the port side of the AAV and will position itself alongside the disabled vehicle with hand tended lines. b. Under no circumstances will the rescue boat be made fast to the disabled AAV. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (4 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05 INFORMATION SHEET c. Disabled vehicles will be emptied of personnel prior to being taken in tow. d. In foul weather or when the assisting vehicle is unable to come alongside the disabled vehicle, the rescue vehicle will stand by on the windward side of disabled vehicle. Passengers from the disabled vehicle will swim to the rescue vehicle in small groups for recovery by the crew of that craft. 3. Towing the AAV a. Towing procedures (1) As a general rule, a disabled AAV should only be towed by another AAV. (2) Disabled AAVs should be towed to the high water mark on the beach before the stern towing cable is detached. (3) An LCM may be used for towing if an AAV is unavailable. F. WELL DECK SHIPS' STERN GATES (LHD, LPD, and LHA generic) 1. Purpose a. To provide a ready access to the well deck so that waterborne operations may be conducted. 2. Operation a. Gates are raised and lowered by hydraulic operating equipment. (1) Components of power unit (a) Reservoir (b) Two main pumps (c) Two hand pumps for use if electrical power is lost or if there is a pump failure (d) Hydraulic valve block containing directional, check, and counterbalance valves (e) Suitable piping and valves to connect components (2) Hydraulic Cylinders System (a) Supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid for operation of hydraulic rams that open and close the gate. (b) Two electric motors drive constant volume pumps which draw fluid from a reservoir and suction strainers. Either motor can drive either pump. (3) Hand-powered operation http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (5 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05 INFORMATION SHEET (a) Used in the event that the electrically driven pumps fail (b) The difference between the hydraulic system and the alignment for hand powered operation is in the flow path from the service tank to the manifold. (1) For each pump there is an isolation valve (on the outlet of the relief valve) for pump discharge and a relief valve return line isolation valve. (2) For hand powered operations, both of these valves must be closed. (3) The pump discharge valves are mechanically interlocked to power cut-off switches for the pump motors. b. Emergency raising and lowering of the stern gate is accomplished using a series of chain falls and block and tackle systems in place of the hydraulics. 3. LPD Stern Gates a. Operation of upper and lower stern gates - Hydraulic system provides hydraulic power to operate four cylinders for opening and closing upper and lower stern gates. b. Stern gate interlocks - stern gates are electrically interlocked, preventing the lower gate from being opened before the upper gate is fully open or the upper gate from being closed before the lower gate is fully closed. c. Stern gate positive lock - Mechanical latch on both upper gate cylinder assemblies positively locks upper gate in open position. d. Safe operating conditions - the system can be operated safely in any sea state up to and including sea state three at speeds not to exceed fifteen knots. e. Emergency lifting procedures (1) Emergency procedures are required in order to close the stern gate if both the normal and alternate systems fail or if a rupture occurs in the pressurized hydraulic system while the stern gate is in the open position. (2) If underway or able to get underway, ballast to a depth that reduces the pounding of the gate on its stop. As soon as it is ready, get underway and proceed as below. If there is some delay in getting underway, ballast to a depth that reduces the pounding of the gate on its stop. As soon as ready, get underway and proceed as below. (3) Once the gate is hydroplaning, deballast and connect the emergency lifting pendants to the gate. Use two men in safety harnesses, kapok life jackets, and tended safety lines on stern gate to connect emergency rigging. 4. LST Stern Gates a. Characteristics http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (6 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05 INFORMATION SHEET (1) Gates are vertical steel structures of various configurations and sizes. (2) Single closure stern gates that are hinged at bottom and rotate down and away from the stern. b. Function (1) Operated by hydraulic cylinders or capable systems wound by winches or capstans. (2) Use of winch: (a) Double drum is used to spool on wire rope (b) Two wire ropes (one on each side of the gate) are used to raise and lower gate and are spooled simultaneously. (c) Winch assembly is provided with a torque-limiting coupling between the electric motor and the gear reducer. This coupling protects the system from overload and prevents excessive loads on the wire rope. (3) Local and remote controls: (a) Located so the operator can observe the stern gate operation (b) Are push button switches that raise, lower, and have emergency run features (c) Have handcranks available for manual operation of the winch in case of power failure (4) Capstan winch, when used, has a multipart rope guided through the stern chocks to each side of the stern gate to a fitting at or near the top of the gate. 5. LHA Stern Gates a. The LHA Stern gate consists of a upper and lower closure. The closures are raised or lowered by two hydraulic two winding drum winch assemblies. b. Retractable stops lock the stern gate into the fully open or fully closed position. c. The LHA stern gate provides a 76 foot wide and 28 foot high opening to allow landing craft and amphibious craft to enter and exit the well. The weight of the stern gate is 95 tons. 6. LSD Stern Gates a. The LSD stern gate is electro-hydraulically controlled at the operators station located on the port wing wall. When the open button is depressed, fluid flows through a series of valves and ports into a cylinder allowing the gate to open. When the gate is in a fully open position (resting on the stops). The button is released and the gate spool goes to a neutral setting. b. Securing the stern gate. The opening process is reversed and the gate is lifted to the closed position. When the gate reaches the fully closed position the close button is released. The http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (7 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05 INFORMATION SHEET hydraulic system is set to a neutral position and hand manipulated locking mechanisms are put into place to secure the gate. Figure 1.4-2 LSD 41 Class Stern Gate G. STERN GATE MARRYING AN LCU TO AN LST 1. Special Provisions - LCU Stern Gate Marriage a. Limited by sea state. Must be in a calm sea or inner (sheltered) harbor. 2. Planning and preparation for LST a. Ensure that power is available to all winches and gear. b. Conduct phone checks on all S/P circuits to be used. c. LST provides: (1) 600 feet of 6 inch nylon (snaking line) (2) Two 6 inch manila or 5 inch nylon positioning lines 300 feet long (3) One 7/8 inch wire strap 15 to 20 feet long with a soft eye in both ends (4) Two 1.5 inch screw pin shackles (one slotted to use in the top of the rhino horn) (5) Two heaving lines for each positioning line and snaking line (6) One electric megaphone http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (8 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05 INFORMATION SHEET (7) One portable cutting torch (8) 18 inch snatch block with bulb hook (be prepared to provide to LCU if requested) (9) Use fenders to protect stern gate ramp gasket. 3. Procedure for marrying an LCU to an LST a. Receiving ship makes initial preparations (1) Set Condition 1A (2) Lower stern gate (3) Using flags or lights, signal LCU to begin its approach (a) Daylight - 36" x 36" green flag on main deck aft (b) Night - green light on main deck aft b. LCU lowers its bow ramp and begins its approach in a slow, controlled manner. c. LST lowers stern anchor until bending shackle is below the water's edge. d. LCU rigs 18 inch snatch block to cloverleaf on deck. e. Upon signal, LCU approaches the stern. f. LCU keeps the ramp at sufficient height to clear the stern gate and rhino horn. g. LCU stops approximately twenty yards from stern gate. a. Ship passes two positioning lines as follows: (1) One from the starboard stern chock to the port bitts of the LCU (2) Other from the port stern chock to the starboard bitts of the LCU (3) When the lines are secured, the LCU keeps its engines going astern. i. Snaking line (1) LST passes the snaking line from the tank deck to the LCU with a heaving line and messenger. (2) LCU passes the snaking line through the snatch block and through the rhino hole, then bends it on to the heaving line and passes it back to the LST. j. LST secures the snaking line to a 15 - 20 foot pendant (7/8 inch wire strap) that is shackled to the top of the rhino horn. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/deck/STU4~1.html (9 of 22)7/20/2006 23:00:05