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Juneau Engineers Make Rapid Repairs to Boiler

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061017-10
Release Date: 10/17/2006 3:49:00 PM

By Ens. Sarah Thomas, USS Juneau Public Affairs

USS JUNEAU, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Juneau (LPD 10) engineers repaired their No. 2 boiler, Oct. 12, in time for Juneau's fall patrol.

With proper reporting procedures, resourcefulness and communicating with experts ashore, the engineers were able to fix a failure to the boiler in just three nights.

The casualty occurred on the evening of Oct. 9 while the ship was conducting amphibious operations as part of the workups. While a solution was furiously in the works, the engineer made the preparations to at least keep Juneau steaming so it could complete the workups.

“Juneau’s engineering department is the best in the Navy – bar none,” said Juneau's Commanding Officer, Capt. John D. Alexander. “We completed an amphibious ‘hat trick’ launching and recovering Landing Craft Utilities (LCUs), Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs), and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRCs) under single boiler operations while the professionals in engineering conducted depot level repairs to the No. 2 boiler. You can’t buy dedication like that.”

The boiler technician of the watch (BTOW) at the time, Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW) Mathew R. Gagnon, saw water leaking inside an air casing during his watch on Oct. 9. He informed the engineering officer of the watch (EOOW), Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) Jose Z. Lopez. The situation was assessed and all controlling actions were conducted to safely secure from the casualty, which was one of the key steps at that point, said Lt. j.g. Jevon C. Jackson, the ship's auxiliary officer.

The exact cause of the casualty was due to a ruptured tube in part of the 600-pound boiler. Such a rupture could have been a major problem for the long term, said Jackson.

“The actual effect of the tube leak results in excessive consumption of feed water expending water needed for crew and proper operation of the engineering plant," Jackson said. "As time permitted, if the repairs were not accomplished, chemicals needed to treat the boiler would be expending decreasing our treatment inventory for deployment.”

"The leak was also a potential problem for watch standers,” said Jackson. “Feed water while enclosed in the piping system is perfect in all respects. Once it reaches atmospheric pressure, the water flashes to steam. The small leaks could elevate to cracks admitting steam in the space and loss of No. 2 boiler during normal steaming, or even worse, during a restricted maneuvering detail.”

In order to fix the problem, Juneau’s main propulsion division needed to secure the boiler while still allowing Juneau to complete her operations. The engineering team cross connected the propulsion plants, allowing Juneau maximum possible steaming power. Though Juneau’s speed capabilities were reduced, she was still able to operate as required.

Conducting the repair while the ship was steaming was a daunting task due to the location of the leak on the economizer tube. The technical manual instructed the engineers to bypass the leaking tube.

Searching for a better solution, Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) Charles W. Phelps contacted Sasebo’s only boiler inspector via email regarding the problem. The technician sited a similar problem that occurred on another ship that was temporarily fixed with a weld. The boiler technician recommended the same sort of temporary fix for Juneau. He emailed a list of the materials needed and the procedure required for the weld. Juneau had the materials aboard and one individual who had the knowledge and skills to do the fix needed. Hull Technician 1st Class (SW) Gavin C. Springstead was able fix the leak following the procedures provided.

“Things like this happen,” said Gagnon. “And when they do, my guys rise to the occasion without hesitation. Many of them have not stepped foot off the brow since getting underway from Sasebo. These guys are simply amazing.”

Juneau had the No. 2 boiler back up and running by dinner time Oct. 12. Her main propulsion division worked around the clock to get the boiler back online. The hard work of the crew allowed Juneau to be fully functional at least two days earlier than first thought.

“This is what we do. We are the steaming demons,” said Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW) Jason Lewis. “If we all have to stay up for three or four days to keep the screw turning and fires burning, it’s more rewarding than liberty.”

Juneau is part of the Sasebo, Japan-based Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which serves under Commander, Task Force 76. Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.