The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) departed BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair after a yearlong dry-dock phased maintenance availability (DPMA) to return to her homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Sept. 30.
The move back to her homeport represents the next step in a two-year process to fully maximize and modernize equipment and systems aboard Wasp.
“We’ve had our weapons systems upgraded, our sensors and communications upgraded, and we’ve had the structure of the ship upgraded,” said Capt. Brian Teets, the ship’s commanding officer.
“It’s been two long years of work to modernize this warship and execute some modifications to bring aboard new equipment to allow us to fully employ the capabilities of the F-35B and more effectively operate with the other units of our amphibious ready group.”
Wasp will spend the next two years to preparing for her scheduled 2016 deployment; the next step is sea trials.
[mappress] Press Release, October 08, 2014; Image: US Navy