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Kennedy Stays Put While Critical Tests Conducted

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS031022-15

Release Date: 10/22/2003 3:03:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman Timothy J. Cox, USS John F. Kennedy Public Affairs

ABOARD USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (NNS) -- With an unprecedented overhaul in the history books and the Navy's "one shipyard concept" realized, USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) began the final preparations earlier this month to leave the pier at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., for the first time in almost a year.

During a nine-month maintenance project, the crew readied for sea trials, the culminating underway exercises designed to test the multitude of upgrades and repairs made to JFK since January. This underway period would mark the first taste of life at sea for the crew, 45 percent of whom reported since the maintenance began.

But during the ship's steam-testing phase, a critical evaluation of the steam plant's operational safety, engineers discovered steam leaks in a number of systems not slated for overhaul until 2005. The discovery temporarily postponed plans to get the ship underway.

"When I first found out we'd have to wait a little longer to go out, I was disappointed," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class John Cruz. "But if it means a more complete war-fighting vessel, then it's worth the wait."

According to Capt. Ronald H. Henderson Jr., Kennedy's commanding officer, experts from across the country have flown in to conduct comprehensive inspections of the auxiliary steam piping in the four main machinery rooms on the ship.

"We don't know the full scope of the repairs we have to make just yet," said Henderson. "But once we do, I'm hoping to get them done expeditiously." He believes that what may at first seem like a setback, is actually a blessing for the only Atlantic Fleet carrier based out of Mayport, Fla. We're getting the work done right. The Navy made a commitment to recapitalize Kennedy, and that's exactly what we're doing - ensuring her readiness for continued service."

"In the long run, this is a good thing," pledged Henderson. "We'll get through this, and we'll get back to sea where we belong." But the captain made it clear that safety, not the calendar, will ultimately determine when the ship returns to sea.

"We will get underway as soon as we can, but we owe it to our Sailors and everyone else to get to sea with a safe and reliable plan," said Henderson.

In all other respects, the ship is ready to go. Essential training takes place daily, as Sailors hone professional skills and those necessary in the event of a shipboard emergency. Henderson said the crew performed well throughout two phases of crew certification, and morale remains high despite the recent scheduling delays.

"It's just another step we have to get through, but every Sailor's dream is to get out to sea," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (handling) 2nd Class (AW) Huston Mckinney.

The multimillion dollar maintenance project is part of the Chief of Naval Operation's strategy to ensure Kennedy remains a viable asset to the nation through 2018.