Assault Craft Unit 2’s (ACU2) Landing Craft Unit (LCU) 1644 began repairs at Norfolk Ship Support Activity’s (NSSA) Dynamic (AFDL-6) Dry-dock at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Aug. 11.
LCU-1644 became the first vessel docked at Dynamic since the dry-dock itself underwent repairs during an availability that began in 2013.
“This was a big team effort getting LCU-1644 into the dock in order for it to receive maintenance it’s in need of,” said Dynamic Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. Shawn Gibson. “The major items the vessel needs work on are repairs to its shafting, seal replacements, the stern tubes and getting the cooling lines cleaned.”
LCUs serve as a Marine support element used to transport military infantry, vehicles, and other equipment from Navy amphibious assault ships to land and back.
“The mission that these crafts support are very important which is why it is imperative that we get them into the dock to perform their maintenance so they can continue their mission without any major issues,” said Gibson.
LCU-1644 will be in the dry-dock for roughly two weeks while members of both ACU2 and NSSA’s Production Department work together to make repairs to the craft.
Dynamic is currently comprised of 25 crew members responsible for providing dry-docking services. The dry-dock is suitable for docking vessels of the mine countermeasure and MHC, patrol craft, yard tug, Army LCMs and other small vessels.