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Mount Whitney Returns To The Fight After Shipyard Period

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040220-18

Release Date: 2/20/2004 4:06:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Duke Richardson, USS Mount Whitney Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- After a seven-month overhaul at the Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation (NORSHIPCO) shipyard in downtown Norfolk, USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) pulled into its home berth at Naval Station Norfolk Feb. 13.

Although it had been seven months since the crew had been at sea or performed any seafaring evolutions, thanks to a lot of training and preparation while in the shipyard, the Mount Whitney team sailed through the one-day sea trial as if there was never a break in their at-sea routine.

Capt. Christopher M. Wode, Mount Whitney's commanding officer, said that the crew had once again proven themselves to be true nautical professionals.

"Everyone has performed extremely well for these evolutions," he said. "I know it is painfully difficult to get back into an 'at sea' mode after seven months of sitting alongside a pier and (having the ship pulled apart and put back together), but (the crew's performance) is a testament to everyone that USS Mount Whitney is back in the fight."

Lt. Cmdr. Robert W. Rafford, Mount Whitney's new executive officer, echoed Wode's sentiments on the crew's performance. "After hard months in the shipyard, the ship showed its professionalism and pride," Rafford said. "The crew did an outstanding job in extremely difficult elements."

Although Navy ships typically undergo a shipyard period after an extended deployment, one of the main reasons for the ship's $30 million availability was the installation of a new ship's service diesel generator (SSDG). According to Lt. Cmdr. Howard Gubbs, Mount Whitney's chief engineer, the installation of the new SSDG was a difficult task that took a lot of dedication and man-hours from the shipyard, as well as the crew.

"This is the first time this is being done anywhere, and it (was) a very complex job," he said. "The SSDG no longer only affects the area that used to be the ship's gym back aft, it has now also expanded to include (the forward section of the ship), as well as the machinery spaces. At times, we had to shut down entire electrical switchboards for days at a time in order to do this right."

The new SSDG has the capability to provide the ship with an uninterrupted power source, which is sure to be of vital importance to Mount Whitney's mission once U.S. 2nd Fleet staff members embark in the very near future.

The ship went through a huge series of upgrades and renovations besides the SSDG installation. Berthings were renovated. Old, worn-out decks were ripped up and new tiles were laid. Some spaces were totally remodeled. Piping systems which were not quite up to par were replaced. Many technological upgrades were made, as well.

"There were a number of antenna modifications and installs while we were in the yards," said Lt. Scott Bond, Mount Whitney's operations officer. "Also, the ship's Joint Operations Center used to have a lot of television-type monitors all over the place, but now they have what is known as a 'Knowledge Wall,' which is one huge screen in which many things can be monitored simultaneously in one place."

Although the time in the shipyard may have been trying and stressful at times for the crew, the ship is now ready to retake its spot on the waterfront.