USS John S. McCain certified for return to operations

The crew aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) successfully completed basic phase certification, June 2, following months of training and preparation to return the ship and its crew to operational status, Pacific Command of the U.S. Navy announced.

McCain entered basic phase training in November 2019, following the completion of required maintenance. Since that time, the crew has undergone extensive in-port and underway training with teams from Afloat Training Group (ATG) and the Center for Surface Combat Systems.

Basic phase training and certification is an extensive process required for all naval surface ships prior to operational tasking. McCain crew members received instruction and evaluation in 23 different areas including seamanship, navigation, supply, engineering, electronic warfare, medical and damage control drills. The training process begins with basic level of knowledge and builds up to integrated operations in complex environments designed to simulate real-world events.

With the basic phase now complete, McCain is ready to rejoin the operating forces of 7th Fleet and is scheduled to operate alongside allies and partners to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. McCain’s crew owes much of their recent success to all of the organizations that continue to provide support.