USS O'Kane (DDG-77)

USS O'Kane (DDG-77) isa United States Navy destroyer of the "flight 2" variant of the Burke-class. She was built at the Bath Iron Works and was the second ship commissioned, on 28 March 1998, in her home port, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In operation, she is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 31 of the United States Pacific Command.

Organization

Combat Systems Department

This department centers around the computers and sensors of the AEGIS battle management system, coordinating the effects of the ship as a whole, although the Weapons Department actually maintains the weapons it controls.

Weapons Department

The Weapons Department officer is responsible for three divisions of specialists, and two missions that are staffed from the department:

• CS Division is primarily made up of sonar technicians (ST) who run the AN/SQQ-89 Integrated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) Suite, using a AN/SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array sonar for long-range passive detection of enemy submarines and a AN/SQS-53C Hull-Mounted sonar is used actively and passively to detect and localize submarine contacts.

Flight II Burkes can launch and recover SH-60B LAMPS MK III Helicopters, which can communicate with the ship to localize and attack submarines and conduct Over-The-Horizon Targeting missions.

The ship can attack hostile submarine contacts by firing torpedoes from her six MK 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes or, for contacts at greater ranges, Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets (VLA) fired from the MK 41 Vertical Launching System.

CG DIVISION. The Gunners Mates (GMs) in Ordnance Division are responsible for the safekeeping and transportation of almost all ammunition on board the ship, and most of the weaponry used to fire the ammunition. The MK 45 5"/54 Caliber Gun Mount, in conjunction with the MK 34 Gun Weapon System, is used against surface ships and close hostile aircraft, and to support forces ashore with Naval Gunfire Support. CG also maintains the ship’s Crew Served weapons to include the 25MM, 40MM, 50 Cal and M240B machine guns.

CM DIVISION. The division consists of Fire Control Technicians responsible for the ships’ strike warfare mission. They operate theTactical Tomahawk Weapon System Advanced Tomahawk Weapons Control System to launch Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) against deep strike targets. The division also consists of GMs who operate and maintain the ship’s MK 41 Vertical Launch System. This system launches TLAM, SM-2s and VLAs in support of the ship’s STW, AAW and USW Mission areas.

FORCE PROTECTION AND ANTI-TERRORISM. Select personnel on the ship are trained to implement force protection measures. Whether in homeport or overseas, Force Protection is vital in ensuring the safety and security of the ship so that the crew can perform its mission.

VISIT, BOARD, SEARCH AND SEIZURE. VBSS teams are utilized for direct interaction with theatre-wide mariners. This is to ensure that freedom of navigation is tenable, international and national sanctions are enforced, and our international relations with the world’s mariners are in accordance with na

Supply Department

Supply Department is split into five divisions, which work together to provide the crew of the ship with everything from repair parts to meals. Supply Department is led by the Supply Officer, who ensures parts, consumable items and "hotel" services are provided to the crew.

Organization

S-1 DIVISION. Stores Division could best be described as the local version of a hardware store, repair parts warehouse, and convenience store, all rolled into one. The Storekeepers assigned to S-1, are responsible for providing material support to the entire ship. Their scope of responsibilities range from clerical support, to ensure the "Administrative Machine" runs smoothly, to procuring and stocking repair parts in order to maintain the ship's hull, mechanical and electrical mission readiness. Supply Support Center is located two decks below the Crew's Mess, amidships.

S-2 DIVISION. The Food Service Division in the ship is staffed by 15 Mess Management Specialists of various rank and time in service. The purpose of the General Mess is to provide U.S. Navy enlisted personnel with wholesome, nutritional meals. This is achieved through proper food preparation and service based on the Basic Daily Food Allowance (BDFA), which is promulgated by the Navy Ration Law. The General Mess is located on the main deck, amidships. They serve approximately 325 personnel three meals a day. The galley is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure that quality meals are produced piping hot, fresh, and on time for each crew meal. This in turn greatly enhances the morale of the crew.

S-3 DIVISION. Sales and Services Division in the ship is staffed by a team of Ship's Servicemen (SHs) dedicated to customer service. This division includes the Barber Shop, Laundry, Ship's Store and Vending Machines, and, therefore, is inextricably linked to the morale of the ship. If it needs to be bought, cut, or washed, the SHs are the professionals that get the job done.

S-4 DIVISION. The ship's version of the local bank is the Disbursing Office, staffed by Disbursing Clerks (DKs). Any issue dealing with money is handled by these very capable professionals. Pay issues, travel and per diem payments, advance pay - the list of tasks performed by Disbursing goes on and on. Safekeeping of items of significant intrinsic value is provided on a strictly space-available basis. The ship even has an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) for Sailor's convenience.

S-5 DIVISION. The Wardroom Mess is another area for the ship's hospitality experts. The Culinary Specialists (CSs) assigned to work in the Wardroom, are responsible for feeding the ship's 25 officers. These hearty meals, exactly the same meals served to the crew, are served by the Food Service Attendants in a fine dining atmosphere. They are also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the staterooms on the ship. CSs on board the ship take great pride in their work, and strive for excellence as they provide fine gourmet cuisine to the ship's officers and crew.