Among a crew of 5,000 Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), only four are entrusted to steer the aircraft carrier in restricted maneuvering evolutions. During special evolutions and unique scenarios, these Master Helmsmen take charge. "Any time the navigation team thinks it's going to be a difficult sea state, we'll come up," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1 st Class (STG1) Allison Coughlin, one of the USS Theodore Roosevelt's Master Helmsmen. When a ship is executing a special sea-and-anchor detail, a strait transit, or pulling in or out of port, a Master Helmsman applies fine-tuned expertise and knowledge to navigate the variably-changing waters, ensuring safety of the crew and operational efficiency of the ship, guaranteeing a stayed course no matter the wind or tide.
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