Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) completed its largest Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) July 15, returning USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) to the fleet after 470,000 man-days of maintenance.
Nimitz-class aircraft carriers have a set maintenance plan which must be adhered to in order for these ships to last the 50 years they’re designed for.
Part of the maintenance plan includes periodic dry docking to perform work below the waterline, which isn’t possible while the ship is in water.
“Truman has easily been the most challenging project of my career,” said Matt Durkin, NNSY project superintendent. “We learned a lot along the way, and we’re proud of the cohesive team we’ve developed.”
As a Naval Sea Systems Command field activity, the shipyard’s focus on technical rigor and discipline in ship maintenance procedures ensures quality work and results in higher fleet readiness.
Truman entered dry-dock in March 2011, for extensive overhaul of the hull, tanks, seawater systems, and propulsion shafting as well as complex replacements of reactor control systems and the main combat system mast. Following undocking in late January 2012, Truman spent six months pierside completing production work and an in-depth equipment testing and crew certification phase.
“The entire shipyard family is proud to have returned such a vital asset to the fleet,” said Capt. Mark Bridenstine , NNSY shipyard commander. “Our goal, as always, is to deliver world-wide first-time quality material readiness to the ships of the United States Navy and to the men and women who serve on them.”
Following the availability, Truman will begin preparations for its sixth full deployment since being commissioned in 1998.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, and the oldest industrial facility belonging to the U.S. Navy. The shipyard specializes in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 20, 2012; Image: US Navy