Quartermaster 1st Class Michael Ziegler said he only needed a couple of hours to learn how to handle the ship's bridge watch. Mark Mears, the ship's training director. Plus, they spent time getting information over the telephone. By using the NT system, the ship's brass has cut the number of sailors on bridge watch from 13 to three. Besides the Integrated Bridge System, the rugged Pentium Pros run the Integrated Condition Assessment System, Standard Machinery Control System, Voyage Management System and Damage Control System.
Sailors using the voyage system can guide the ship by trackball at prescribed times.
Eric L. Sweigard, the ship's captain, said the Smart Ship Program will help the Navy operate with fewer personnel and give sailors better situational awareness. Battle stations From 350 enlisted personnel, the Yorktown eventually will trim to 306 the number of sailors who can focus less on maintenance and repairs and more on battle preparation, he said. Aircraft carriers and frigates may follow, Navy officials said. All rights reserved.