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USS George Washington Completes Shipyard Work

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051218-06
Release Date: 12/18/2005 9:05:00 AM

By Journalist 3rd Class Latisha Gholston, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) returned to her homeport in Norfolk, Va., Dec. 17, following a scheduled 10-and-a-half month Docked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) at Northop Grumman Newport News shipyard.

During the DPIA, the shipyard completed 383,000 man-days of labor. GW’s ship’s force contributed 410,000 man-hours, completing 12,400 jobs. The ship’s force work saved the government approximately $38 million by foregoing contracted labor for those jobs.

According to Capt. Garry R. White, GW’s commanding officer, the $400 million modernization availability was successful because of the joint effort between ship’s force and the shipyard.

“This availability has been, from the beginning, marked by open and honest communication between ‘GW’ and the shipyard,” said White. “This, combined with the unprecedented teamwork and spirit of cooperation, has resulted in a remarkably successful maintenance period. I could not be more proud of all those involved.”

“The performance of the Newport News and Navy team during this availability has been exceptional,” said Ken Mahler, vice president of aircraft carrier overhauls at Northrop Grumman Newport News. “Our team goals of quality work completed safely, on or ahead of schedule and below budget, have been achieved.”

GW arrived in the shipyard Jan. 28 for the availability, which included dry-docking for approximately seven months. Drydock work included repair and refurbishment of the hull, shafting, propellers and rudders. Above the waterline, the overhaul of the aircraft launch and recovery equipment, cable removal and replacement of steam piping are just a few of the thousands of jobs completed during the DPIA.

“So much work was completed during the DPIA,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW/AW) Cornelius Bynum, GW’s work center control chief. “Maintenance and repair work covered almost every area of the ship. Everyone involved maintained a positive attitude and that was motivation to make this DPIA a success.”

GW has also undergone modernization of spaces to support the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft equipment and weapons stowage systems, enhancements to crew living areas, blasting and coating of numerous tanks and repair and inspections on a variety of ship systems and departments.

The DPIA officially ended with the successful completion of sea trials, which test the ship’s material readiness and ability to rejoin the fleet as an operational unit. GW was underway for sea trials for nearly three days before returning to Naval Station Norfolk.

“Being back in Norfolk means we are that much closer to operational readiness,” said Capt. Garry White, GW’s Commanding Officer. “GW is in great shape, the crew is highly motivated and we are ready to respond to any of our Nation’s commitments.”