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USS Bataan Completes Sea Trials, Returns to Fleet

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041109-14
Release Date: 11/10/2004 5:04:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Brian Anderson, USS Bataan Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- After six months of maintenance, restoration and upgrades, USS Bataan (LHD 5) got under way from Norfolk Shipyard and Drydock Corporation (NORSHIPCO) in downtown Norfolk, Va., Oct. 27 for two days of Sea Trials.

After returning from a surge deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March, Bataan went through an extensive six-month maintenance availability. Synthetic planking was installed in the well deck to replace wooden planking eroded from wear and tear of assault craft transiting in and out, and synthetic downcomers were installed to prevent rust. A new 12-year paint system was used on the hull and freeboard of Bataan, cutting back on Sailors' labor, saving money, and modernizing for the future, "allowing the ship to work smarter, not harder."

With such a large job at hand - from the refurbishment of the shafts to boiler inspections and repairs, to non-skidding the flight deck - the availability would not have been a success without the shipyard and ship's force working closely together.

"Bataan's crew came in with a great attitude, and that was one of the determining factors in the success of the availability," said NORSHIPCO President and General Manager Tom Epley.

This was the first time Bataan was dry-docked since the ship was commissioned in 1997. The dry-docking will contribute to the 40-year life expectancy of the ship.

Bataan's Port Engineer Tom Bourgelas has been around since the keel was laid more than a decade ago and knows the ins and outs of Bataan, and the hard work that must go on to keep it maintained. He praised the ship's crew for the outstanding shipyard period.

"There is a sense of pride in the ship by the ship's force...which makes all the difference in the world," Bourgelas said. "Bataan Sailors do the job they are trained to do and do it well, with coordination and cooperation, which ensures the job gets done and it gets done right. It's how this ship has always done business."

Bataan returned to Norfolk Naval Station and is currently working to obtain all the requisite certifications and qualifications to begin her training cycle in preparation for a future deployment.