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GW Successfully Completes Sea Trials

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030822-28

Release Date: 8/22/2003 10:32:00 PM

By Steve Milner, Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va (NNS) -- Following a six-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) completed sea trials Aug. 15 and returned to the fleet four days early.

Approximately 1,500 NNSY personnel, assisted by contractors from more than 96 companies, worked on this 400,000 manday effort, along with some 20 ship's force teams and several naval organizations.

According to Cleve Butts, NNSY's GW Project Superintendent, this availability's success is also due in large part to the close working relationships maintained between ship's force and NNSY personnel during months of planning and work performed.

Major work performed during this availability included upgrades on two catapults, preservation and overhaul of all four jet blast deflectors, overhaul of flight deck barricade stanchions, modernization and repair of all four aircraft elevators, and modernization and repair of weapons elevators.

Other major work performed during this PIA included the overhaul of four 100,000-gallon water distilling units, installation of a new air conditioning plant, installation of a hazardous material processing and storage facility, installation of the new Smart Carrier JP-5 aircraft fuel and list control systems, significant upgrades to berthing compartments and heads, and the overhaul and repair of more than 100 pumps and motors.

"One of the greatest highlights of this availability," Butts said, "was recognizing our Sailor and Civilian of the Week. Each week, a deckplate Sailor and a shipyard mechanic, based on their outstanding contribution in accomplishing our availability, were selected to receive an award."

During all-hands meetings, GW's Commanding Officer, Capt. Marty Erdossy, and Butts, recognized these persons, to let everyone know how important their contributions were to the availability's success.

"This recognition created positive peer pressure, which fueled the attitudes of others, resulting in the enhancement of overall morale," Butts explained.

NNSY's GW Project Superintendent also noted that co-locating team members created an environment for success.

"On any given day, you could step into the co-location trailers on the hangar bay and see our workers at all levels," said Butts.

This teaming approach also continued during sea trials, when shipyard work discrepancies were corrected, and new work issues were resolved.