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NAVSEA Improving Fleet Diesel Engines

NAVSEA News Wire

12/13/2002

By Rick Osial, Naval Sea Systems Command

WASHINGTON -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), in partnership with Fleet engineers, is leading the effort to improve the Navy's diesel engines. Meeting for the first time last week at the Washington Navy Yard, engineers from the Fleet and NAVSEA, along with experts representing the surface, submarine and aircraft carrier communities, formed the Diesel Executing Steering Committee (DESG). This broad-based group of Navy engineering professionals will focus on identifying the Fleet's top maintenance issues and developing solutions for the Navy's more than 700 diesel engines that provide propulsion or generate electricity.

Speaking at the kickoff meeting of the DESG, Rear Adm. Paul Sullivan, NAVSEA's Deputy Commander for Ship Design Integration and Engineering said, "We want to ensure that the process accurately identifies and prioritizes problems, that solutions are formulated and that those solutions are implemented. Whether in the area of training, maintenance, or logistical support, we will resolve those systemic and long term issues that will ultimately improve diesel engines reliability.."

The creation of the DESG was in response to a Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command request to improve diesel engine maintenance policy and operation. It is similar to one already in existence addressing marine gas turbine issues. The DESG provides oversight of established working groups currently developing solutions to Fleet diesel engine problems. As the projected number of diesel engines in use by the Fleet increases by 50 percent over the next 10 years, the readiness, reliability, and availability of diesel engines are essential.

Included in the DESG's agenda were updates by working groups highlighting current diesel improvements. Mine countermeasure ships are seeing upgrades to their engines using low magnetic signature engines, diesel fuel injection pumps on amphibious platforms are being tackled and frigates are receiving a modernization ship service diesel generator - identified by the Fleet as one of the top ten "Troubled Systems."

Capt. C.W. Chesterman, Jr., NAVSEA's Director for Maintenance Process Improvement and Fleet Advocate and co-chairman of the DESG sees modern computing technology as a linchpin element. "As we use computing technology to analyze the metrics and allow for the operator to examine the latest updated information, we have the ability to identify problems we have not been able to recognize before," said Chesterman. "This is transformational in solving maintenance problems, increasing readiness and thereby assisting the Fleet in meeting its global mission."