U.S. Navy’s Guam-based submarine tender USS Frank Cable headed for a dry-docking overhaul after five years of tending submarines and surface vessels assigned to the U.S. 5th and 7th fleet areas of responsibility.
After its successful deployment in 2016, including port visits to India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, the submarine tender is now up and ready to undergo major preservation and maintenance.
The work to be performed will include tank inspections, freeboard preservation, sewage tank preservation, engine room bulkhead/structural repairs, main reduction gear repairs, air conditioning plant repairs, high and low pressure turbine inspections, generator inspections, 30- and 5-ton crane repairs, heating, ventilation and air conditioning system cleaning, underwater hull preservation and propulsion shafting removal and inspection.
Work on the tender will be performed by Vigor Marine under a $24 million firm-fixed-price contract awarded by Military Sealift Command.
“Frank Cable and her sister ship, Emory S. Land, do fantastic work providing critical repair support for Guam’s home ported SSNs and other deployed submarines and surface vessels in the 5th and 7th fleet areas of operations. But, as Frank Cable nears 40 years of commissioned service, it is time to give her some much needed attention,” said Capt. Drew St. John , USS Frank Cable commanding officer. “The ship’s maintenance cycle keeps the ship fully operational through her service life and this docking repair period will ensure she is able to continue filling her vital role in the Pacific Fleet.”
USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) currently is the lead repair facility conducting maintenance of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.