What is defined as the not official phase of FRTP that starts after Contractor Sea Trials?

The phase that is defined as the unofficial stage of the Fleet Readiness Training Program (FRTP) following Contractor Sea Trials is known as Shakedown. During the Shakedown phase, the ship undergoes rigorous testing of its systems, equipment, and overall operational capability in actual or simulated conditions. This phase is critical in identifying any issues or areas for improvement that need to be addressed before the ship can be fully operational.

The emphasis during Shakedown is on ensuring that the vessel operates effectively and can perform its assigned missions. It provides an opportunity for the crew to familiarize themselves with the ship and its systems, further enhancing proficiency and readiness. This unofficial testing phase allows any deficiencies identified during trials to be corrected before entering the next formal phases of the FRTP.

This stage is distinct from others in the training process, such as Sustainment, where the focus is on maintaining readiness over time, or Integrated/Advanced and Basic, which involve systematic training objectives tailored to prepare crews and ships for deployment and operational readiness. The unique characteristics of Shakedown make it an essential transitional phase in the journey toward achieving full operational capabilities.