This is how Naval officers conduct a man overboard drill on a ‘killer tomato’
SUMMARY
Accidents from heavy machinery, exposure to hazardous materials, and heavy mooring lines snapping are just a few of the dangers that sailors and Marines face on a daily basis while underway aboard ship.
Another threat that strikes fear in those stationed on the massive Naval warships cruising the open seas is falling overboard. Luckily, advanced training is available for the ship's crew to coordinate a rescue if such an event were to happen.
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For those Naval officers aboard the USS Gravely looking to claim the title of Officer of the Day — the point person on an at-sea rescue — they must first conduct and complete a successful rescue of a man overboard drill on a "killer tomato."
The killer tomato being inflated then deployed. (Image via Giphy)Once someone falls overboard, the alert rings out over the 1MC, and all the ship's staff is briefed on the crisis. It's now up to the OOD candidate to coordinate with the crew to maneuver the ship into action.The ship uses its high-powered gas turbine engines to accelerate the vessel into a short radius turn by shifting the stern (the back of the ship) away for the tomato, so it doesn't get chopped up by the powerful propellers.
Once the ship pulls ahead, the ODD will command a variety of tactical turns intended to "double-back" and retrieve their shipmate.
When the drill's over and the supervising officer is satisfied that all is complete, the killer tomato is then used for target practice and shot to hell.
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Check out the Smithsonian Channel's video below to see these officers qualify for the title of Officer of the Deck for yourself.
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