PACIFIC OCEAN -- Thirty-one Midshipmen visiting the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participated in live fire fighting hose training conducted on the fantail of the ship Aug. 13.
The Midshipman Cruise is part of the 2012 Professional Training of Midshipmen (PROTRAMID) program, an annual requirement for all potential officers.
"It was fun," said Midshipmen 3rd Class Michelle Yau. "It's good to have this kind of training. You never know when you're going to need it."
The training was held to give the future officers an idea of what to expect from the fleet.
"Wherever they go in their career, they're going to end up on a ship, and damage control is everyone's responsibility," said Lt. j.g. Janpaul Amposta, one of Nimitz' Midshipmen guides.
While most of the Midshipmen have come from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, as well as Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps from various colleges around the country, Amposta said there are three Canadian and two New Zealand foreign exchange students in the group as well.
While visiting the ship, the future officers are exploring different jobs and aspects of being a Sailor.
Amposta said the 1st Class Midshipmen have been standing watches, while 2nd and 3rd Class Midshipmen have been following enlisted Sailors during their typical work days to get an understanding of everyone's role around the ship.
"They're our future leaders, we're giving them a taste of the fleet," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Stuart Hooper, the ship's damage control training petty officer.
For the remainder of their stay, these officers-in-training will continue their hands-on training through the ship, gaining a greater appreciation for their role and responsibilities in the Navy.
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