USS BLUE RIDGE ESWS EXAM / ACTUAL USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19)
ENLISTED SURFACE WARFARE SPECIALIST (ESWS) QUALIFICATION EXAM
TEST BANK ACTUAL 2026/2027
1. USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) is a command ship whose primary mission requires
extensive command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence
capabilities. Which description best explains the significance of this mission
to the ship’s role within the fleet?
A. It provides command-and-control support for fleet operations and serves
as a major communications and coordination platform.
B. It primarily conducts independent submarine-hunting operations using
organic torpedoes.
C. It is designed primarily to transport armored vehicles during amphibious
assaults.
D. It functions primarily as a replenishment oiler for deployed surface
combatants.
Answer: A
2. A newly reporting Sailor is beginning the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
qualification and asks why the PQS is important. Which response best
describes the purpose of the ESWS qualification program?
A. It replaces all technical training required for a Sailor's rating.
B. It establishes minimum knowledge and demonstrated skills necessary for
warfare qualification and shipboard watchstanding.
C. It permits a Sailor to perform any watchstation regardless of training or
supervision.
D. It is primarily an administrative requirement used to determine
advancement eligibility.
Answer: B
3. During a training session, a Sailor is asked what the "LCC" designation in
USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) represents. Which answer is correct?
A. Landing Command Carrier
B. Logistics Control Cruiser
pg. 1
, C. Amphibious Command Ship
D. Light Combat Carrier
Answer: C
4. A Sailor studying shipboard organization is asked which command
relationship is most important when determining who has authority and
responsibility aboard the ship. Which concept should the Sailor identify?
A. The personal preference of the senior watchstander
B. The ship's recreational organization
C. The division's informal working relationships
D. The established chain of command and command authority
Answer: D
5. A Sailor preparing for an ESWS board is reviewing the purpose of
qualification standards. Which statement most accurately describes a
Personnel Qualification Standard?
A. It identifies knowledge and performance requirements that must be
demonstrated before an individual qualifies for designated duties or
watchstations.
B. It is an optional study guide that has no relationship to shipboard
qualification.
C. It is used only by officers and does not apply to enlisted personnel.
D. It authorizes personnel to perform duties without supervision after
reading the applicable material.
Answer: A
6. While studying naval heritage, a Sailor is asked why knowledge of naval
customs and traditions is included in ESWS preparation. Which answer best
reflects the purpose?
A. It allows Sailors to avoid learning technical ship systems.
B. It provides historical context and reinforces professional identity,
customs, and traditions associated with naval service.
C. It is primarily intended to determine eligibility for special pay.
pg. 2
, D. It replaces the requirement to understand the ship's current mission.
Answer: B
7. USS Blue Ridge is associated with U.S. 7th Fleet operations. A Sailor is asked
why a flagship requires robust command-and-control capabilities. Which
answer is most appropriate?
A. A flagship is required to operate independently without communications
with other forces.
B. A flagship's principal purpose is to provide hotel and transportation
services to visiting personnel.
C. A flagship provides facilities and systems that support commanders in
coordinating and directing maritime operations.
D. A flagship is responsible only for navigation and does not participate in
operational coordination.
Answer: C
8. During a qualification discussion, a Sailor is asked what the ESWS program
expects from a candidate beyond memorizing definitions. Which response
is most appropriate?
A. The candidate only needs to memorize equipment names.
B. The candidate only needs to complete written examinations.
C. The candidate must know every system to the depth of a senior
technician.
D. The candidate should understand how shipboard systems, missions,
safety, and warfare functions relate to overall mission effectiveness.
Answer: D
9. A junior Sailor notices that a qualification line item was signed by someone
who was not designated as an authorized qualifier. What should the Sailor
understand about the situation?
A. Qualification documentation should be completed by personnel
authorized by the command to conduct and sign the applicable qualification
requirements.
B. Any Sailor who has worked aboard the ship for six months may sign any
pg. 3
, PQS line item.
C. A peer signature is always acceptable if the candidate believes the task
was performed correctly.
D. The signature requirement can be ignored once the candidate has
demonstrated the task informally.
Answer: A
10. During an ESWS study session, a Sailor is asked why ship-specific tailoring is
important in a qualification program. Which explanation is best?
A. Tailoring allows commands to remove all difficult qualification
requirements.
B. Tailoring ensures the qualification package reflects systems and
equipment actually installed aboard the specific command while retaining
applicable requirements.
C. Tailoring permits individual Sailors to create their own qualification
standards.
D. Tailoring eliminates the need to use current Navy references.
Answer: B
11. A watchstander observes an unexpected change in equipment status during
normal operations. Which action best reflects sound watchstanding
practice?
A. Assume the equipment will return to normal without intervention.
B. Wait until the end of the watch before reporting the discrepancy.
C. Verify the condition, follow applicable procedures, and promptly notify
the appropriate watch supervisor or responsible authority.
D. Make an undocumented adjustment to the equipment and continue the
watch.
Answer: C
12. A Sailor is preparing for a watchstanding qualification and is told that a PQS
represents a minimum competency standard. What does this mean?
A. Completing the PQS guarantees advancement to the next paygrade.
B. The PQS is intended only for emergency situations.
pg. 4
ENLISTED SURFACE WARFARE SPECIALIST (ESWS) QUALIFICATION EXAM
TEST BANK ACTUAL 2026/2027
1. USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) is a command ship whose primary mission requires
extensive command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence
capabilities. Which description best explains the significance of this mission
to the ship’s role within the fleet?
A. It provides command-and-control support for fleet operations and serves
as a major communications and coordination platform.
B. It primarily conducts independent submarine-hunting operations using
organic torpedoes.
C. It is designed primarily to transport armored vehicles during amphibious
assaults.
D. It functions primarily as a replenishment oiler for deployed surface
combatants.
Answer: A
2. A newly reporting Sailor is beginning the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
qualification and asks why the PQS is important. Which response best
describes the purpose of the ESWS qualification program?
A. It replaces all technical training required for a Sailor's rating.
B. It establishes minimum knowledge and demonstrated skills necessary for
warfare qualification and shipboard watchstanding.
C. It permits a Sailor to perform any watchstation regardless of training or
supervision.
D. It is primarily an administrative requirement used to determine
advancement eligibility.
Answer: B
3. During a training session, a Sailor is asked what the "LCC" designation in
USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) represents. Which answer is correct?
A. Landing Command Carrier
B. Logistics Control Cruiser
pg. 1
, C. Amphibious Command Ship
D. Light Combat Carrier
Answer: C
4. A Sailor studying shipboard organization is asked which command
relationship is most important when determining who has authority and
responsibility aboard the ship. Which concept should the Sailor identify?
A. The personal preference of the senior watchstander
B. The ship's recreational organization
C. The division's informal working relationships
D. The established chain of command and command authority
Answer: D
5. A Sailor preparing for an ESWS board is reviewing the purpose of
qualification standards. Which statement most accurately describes a
Personnel Qualification Standard?
A. It identifies knowledge and performance requirements that must be
demonstrated before an individual qualifies for designated duties or
watchstations.
B. It is an optional study guide that has no relationship to shipboard
qualification.
C. It is used only by officers and does not apply to enlisted personnel.
D. It authorizes personnel to perform duties without supervision after
reading the applicable material.
Answer: A
6. While studying naval heritage, a Sailor is asked why knowledge of naval
customs and traditions is included in ESWS preparation. Which answer best
reflects the purpose?
A. It allows Sailors to avoid learning technical ship systems.
B. It provides historical context and reinforces professional identity,
customs, and traditions associated with naval service.
C. It is primarily intended to determine eligibility for special pay.
pg. 2
, D. It replaces the requirement to understand the ship's current mission.
Answer: B
7. USS Blue Ridge is associated with U.S. 7th Fleet operations. A Sailor is asked
why a flagship requires robust command-and-control capabilities. Which
answer is most appropriate?
A. A flagship is required to operate independently without communications
with other forces.
B. A flagship's principal purpose is to provide hotel and transportation
services to visiting personnel.
C. A flagship provides facilities and systems that support commanders in
coordinating and directing maritime operations.
D. A flagship is responsible only for navigation and does not participate in
operational coordination.
Answer: C
8. During a qualification discussion, a Sailor is asked what the ESWS program
expects from a candidate beyond memorizing definitions. Which response
is most appropriate?
A. The candidate only needs to memorize equipment names.
B. The candidate only needs to complete written examinations.
C. The candidate must know every system to the depth of a senior
technician.
D. The candidate should understand how shipboard systems, missions,
safety, and warfare functions relate to overall mission effectiveness.
Answer: D
9. A junior Sailor notices that a qualification line item was signed by someone
who was not designated as an authorized qualifier. What should the Sailor
understand about the situation?
A. Qualification documentation should be completed by personnel
authorized by the command to conduct and sign the applicable qualification
requirements.
B. Any Sailor who has worked aboard the ship for six months may sign any
pg. 3
, PQS line item.
C. A peer signature is always acceptable if the candidate believes the task
was performed correctly.
D. The signature requirement can be ignored once the candidate has
demonstrated the task informally.
Answer: A
10. During an ESWS study session, a Sailor is asked why ship-specific tailoring is
important in a qualification program. Which explanation is best?
A. Tailoring allows commands to remove all difficult qualification
requirements.
B. Tailoring ensures the qualification package reflects systems and
equipment actually installed aboard the specific command while retaining
applicable requirements.
C. Tailoring permits individual Sailors to create their own qualification
standards.
D. Tailoring eliminates the need to use current Navy references.
Answer: B
11. A watchstander observes an unexpected change in equipment status during
normal operations. Which action best reflects sound watchstanding
practice?
A. Assume the equipment will return to normal without intervention.
B. Wait until the end of the watch before reporting the discrepancy.
C. Verify the condition, follow applicable procedures, and promptly notify
the appropriate watch supervisor or responsible authority.
D. Make an undocumented adjustment to the equipment and continue the
watch.
Answer: C
12. A Sailor is preparing for a watchstanding qualification and is told that a PQS
represents a minimum competency standard. What does this mean?
A. Completing the PQS guarantees advancement to the next paygrade.
B. The PQS is intended only for emergency situations.
pg. 4