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Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard's New Blast and Paint Facility Brings Improved Support and Efficiency to the Fleet

NAVSEA News Wire

Release Date: 10/25/2002

By Pearl Harbor NSY&IMF Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- A $10 million state-of-the-art Abrasive Blast and Paint Facility was dedicated at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility on October 21. "Today's dedication of this facility is a leap forward in efficiency that directly supports the Fleet," said Shipyard Commander, Capt. John A. Edwards.

The facility is used to prepare large and small ship components and other items for painting or powder coating. All of these functions can now be performed in one facility. Prior to construction of the new facility, operations were conducted in several locations throughout the naval station.

"This complex not only consolidates functions, it places you in the heart of the industrial area, making you readily accessible and reducing transit time," said Edwards. Improved material handling alone is projected to save $6.2 million per year.

Stressing that the warfighter needs the Shipyard's efficiency now, Edwards highlighted improved turnaround time and other features of the facility, such as grit cleanup and disposal, that will yield even more savings.

But when it comes to Sailors in the Fleet, perhaps the most significant improvement will be the reduction in their maintenance workload due to the extended product life of parts that will receive high solids paint and powder coat finishes at the new facility.

Bodell Construction was awarded the contract for the project in August of 2000. In addition to construction of the new facility, the contract included demolition of existing buildings.

The new facility provides safer, cleaner processes for workers and the environment. "As a neighbor and member of the community," Edwards told those gathered, "we have incorporated state-of-the-art technology for filtration, particle collection and waste stream management that enhances our stewardship of the precious resources around us."