Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division announced that it has reintroduced steam to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to begin final testing of the ship’s steam-powered systems.
Moored at Outfitting Berth 1 at Newport News, Lincoln is in the final stages of its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). Shipbuilders and sailors are beginning to test steam-powered systems on board, including the main engine complex and the electrical generators.
Lincoln’s RCOH began in March 2013. The entire process takes about 44 months. Newport News shipbuilders will complete more than 23 million man-hours of maintenance and modernization work preparing Lincoln for its return to the U.S. Navy fleet. The ship is on track to redeliver in 2016.
RCOH is the mid-life refueling overhaul and maintenance availability of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that produces a recapitalized carrier capable of supporting current and future warfare doctrine. Once Lincoln’s RCOH is complete, the carrier will be equipped to operate in the U.S. Navy fleet for the second half of her 50-year expected service life.
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Image: HII