FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Fort Eustis hosted the U.S. Navy Craft Master Course which began six weeks ago.
During the course, 12 Sailors across the United States and Japan received in-depth training on how to run a Landing Craft Utility and crew. The responsibility level of a craft master as an enlisted member can compare to a captain on a ship, said Wayne Mills, Maritime Training Division craft master instructor.
"A craft master not only operates the LCU, but they must take care of their crew as well," said Mills. "Each person on the crew has their duty, but it is the craft master's job to make sure they are doing it."
The course happens twice a year in the spring and the fall.
The LCU is capable of transporting cargo, tracked and wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers. The landing craft is equipped with bow and stern ramps for on and off-loading while keeping the ability to operate at sea for up to 10 days.
"Before 2009, there was no official course for becoming a craft master," said Mills. "Craft master training was only on-the-job training and qualification training."
In the first week, students learned the 'rules of the road,' which included utilizing a simulator that mimics the LCU's capabilities.
While in the simulator, the students ran a course that would become their final task of the class--a trip from Fort Eustis to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, and back.
"You would think that to come back all you would need to do is turn the numbers around," said Mills. "But that is not the case. The students must figure out a way there and back. They learn how to do this in the first week so they are able to work their way into doing the real journey."
During the second week, the students learned navigation techniques. According to Mills, each craft has a navigator on the crew but the craft master has the final call on the direction of the craft.
Weeks three and four consisted of radar training and certification through the U.S. Coast Guard.
The final two weeks are when all of the training was put to the test.
Students get to know what it feels like to work with a 12-crew team and run their own craft. They will take turns manning the LCU all-while taking care of their crew.
The student is not a fully qualified craft master once the course is complete. Students must complete additional on-the-job training at their home base and continue their training.