Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) Dive Team Charlie completed a five-blade change out on USS Anzio’s (CG 68) port side propeller, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 20.
Upon initial inspection during a cleaning by Seaward Marine Services, only three blades were visibly damaged; however, all five blades had to be changed out in order to keep Anzio’s propeller balanced.
MARMC Dive Team Charlie Supervisor and Leading Petty Officer Navy Diver 1st Class Bryan Edwards, said:
Divers went down to do a visual and technical inspection of the blades and cracks were found in the prairie air channel of one of the blades.
The prairie air channel is welded onto the blade. The damaged blade looked like it had been cleaned so much that the weld was exposed and that’s where the hairline cracks were coming from.
Divers started work Aug. 10, working in 12-hour shifts and over the weekend to ensure the job was completed on time. They finished the job four days ahead of schedule.
Anzio is expected to deploy in early September.
Anzio’s blade change out was a joint effort between MARMC divers; Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (NAVSEA 00C); Emergency Ship Salvage Material (ESSM) technical experts, who oversaw all components of the work package; and Phoenix International Holdings, Inc.
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Image: US Navy