Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) completed the Engineered Overhaul (EOH) of the fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) May 29.
Over the 29-month EOH, the project team and crew performed several system upgrades including installation of a new battery, the overhaul of the ship’s service motor generator, and special emphasis work on the propulsion plant.
In addition to planned evolutions, the project team performed a significant amount of emergent repairs. The project had no submarine safety deficiencies during sea trials.
The project benefited from money and time-saving innovations such as the shipyard’s first tool vending machine trailer, a ship’s force extended work site adjacent to the boat and an enhanced training plan for supervisors overseeing work on the availability. These improved practices are being replicated on NNSY’s USS Albany (SSN 753) 28-month EOH, which began in October 2013. Following Albany, both USS Montpelier (SSN 765) and USS Tucson (SSN 770) will undergo extensive Engineered Overhauls at NNSY.
Project Superintendent Cmdr. Dianna Wolfson said: “Our main objective for Newport News was to keep delivery back to the fleet predictable and that is what we accomplished.”
After sea trials, Newport News Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Chris Tarsa, said: “It was a long maintenance period and the boat and her crew are ready and excited to return to sea.”
NNSY, a Naval Sea Systems Command field activity, is the oldest industrial facility belonging to the U.S. Navy, and specializes in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines.
[mappress] Press Release, June 13, 2014; Image: Wikimedia