Shrewsbury – Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason K. Kim, a 2002 graduate of St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, and fellow crew members aboard the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans, home ported in San Diego, Calif., recently departed Naval Base Point Loma after completing a six-day “deperming” evolution in preparation for the ship's scheduled deployment.
New Orleans is the first San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship to undergo the deperming process. Deperming a ship reduces the ship's magnetic signature, by erasing the permanent magnetism from ships and submarines to camouflage them against magnetic-detection vessels and enemy marine mines. This process is a key element in preparation for the New Orleans’ future undertakings.
The ship's war-fighting capabilities include a state-of-the art command and control suite, a large flight deck and advanced ship survivability features that enhance its ability to operate in the unforgiving littoral environment.
Naval Base Point Loma is the only station on the West Coast with magnetic silencing support capability. Kim joined the Navy in July 2006.
Navy Airman Randy P. Barroso, son of Creuza G. Pereira of Shrewsbury, and Evandro P. Barroso, of Worcester, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Barroso completed a variety of training that included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly ”Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
Barroso is a 2008 graduate of North High School in Worcester.
