SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
0250 - CVN notes closure of CG to within 2Kyds and orders all ahead one third; CVN receives “wait out” from CG signalman; CG CO orders bridge to 000T for helo recovery
0251 - CG bridge orders right full rudder & all engines ahead standard (in 1/3 bell increments); CG XO requests CO on the bridge
Notes:
- As the CVN is well into the second backing bell, the CG commences a bare steerage way turn to the reciprocal course, apparently blind to the rapid closure rate of the two ships.
- The ahead one third bell by the CVN was IAW drill requirements not in response to rapid closure rate.
- CG XO is on the bridge directing the OOD and Conning Officer - he never assumes the conn.
- As the closure rate increased to greater than 15 knots, “in extremis” occurred before the CG bridge team came to the realization that “in extremis” was even a possibility.