LCS-1 Freedom and Helo/UAV Det (bonus: SWO Sweater bashing)
I got a chance to see the USS Freedom (LCS-1) when it was in port here in Cleveland last Friday, and it is a very cool ship, but those black v-neck sweaters almost all the officers were wearing look terrible. Is that an often required uniform item? I'd be just as happy to never see one again, and I dread the idea of wearing one.
Also as we toured the ship they showed us how they have room for 2 60s onboard. I was wondering would a ship that size deploy with a 60 or two onboard, or would 60s only stop onboard temporarily? If so how many pilots would deploy per helo? And lastly what do the helo crews do when not flying? Just sit around the wardroom doing paperwork and playing with the wii?
LCS 1 Freedom
(Nov. 13, 2008) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) sails toward the Cleveland Municipal Pier for a scheduled port visit in Cleveland, Ohio. Freedom will make other port calls as the ship continues to Naval Amphibious Bass Little Creek, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class Specialist Kenneth R. Hendrix/Released)
The "SWO" Sweater
081114-N-5758H-222 CLEVELAND (Nov. 14, 2008) Lt. Robert Briggs explains the purpose and features of the bridge and pilot house aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) to students from The Ohio State University Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps during the ship's port visit in Cleveland. Freedom is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions and will make other port calls as the ship continues to Naval Amphibious Bass Little Creek, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class Specialist Kenneth R. Hendrix/Released)