Norfolk Naval Shipyard Undocked USS Maryland

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) successfully undocked USS Maryland (SSBN 738) Feb 21.

SSBN 738 is now pier-side to finish its Engineered Refueling Overhaul (ERO), a complex, major shipyard availability at the submarine’s mid-life point that enables the submarine to operate for its entire design service life. Maryland has been at NNSY since Dec. 2012.

Some of the major jobs during the availability include ship systems overhaul, specifically the replacement of distilling plants with a reverse osmosis unit; replacement of the service turbine generator rotor with a low-sensitivity rotor; installation of an upgraded 500 kilowatt motor generator; and local area network upgrades.

Undocking was achieved despite high winds challenging crane service, unusually cold weather preventing the normal process of washing down the dry dock, and several inches of snowfall. When it became apparent the effort might fall short of maintaining the planned undocking date, volunteers pitched in from around the shipyard to assist.

In addition to the small amount of production work to still be accomplished on the boat, system testing and certification and Ship’s Force training will be conducted, culminating in sea trials later this year.

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Image: US Navy