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U.S. and Australian Engineers Fabricate Part for HMAS Tobruk on board ESSEX

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070709-15
Release Date: 7/9/2007 5:06:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Didier, USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- During Talisman Saber 2007, hull technicians from USS Essex (LHD 2) worked with Australian Heavy Landing Ship HMAS Tobruk (LSH 50) when fabricating a replacement part for the high-pressure (HP) air compressor required to start Tobruk's main propulsion diesel engines June 29.

Essex and Tobruk Sailors worked together to create this critical part using equipment in Essex’s pipe and welding shop.

“Without the HP air compressor, we have no redundancy to start any engines,” said Marine Technician Leading Seaman Daniel Churchyard, a Tobruk engineer. “We’re using an emergency one at the moment, so there is no redundancy and without it we go nowhere.”

An essential air line was cracked, causing an air leak when the line was charged to the normal 400 pounds per square inch (psi) load.

“This is not uncommon; pipes fail on ships due to normal wear and tear,” said Hull Technician 2nd Class Javier M. Aispuro, one of the technicians who repaired the part.

Essex’s pipe and welding shop provided tools and technicians to fabricate the line and salvage the necessary fittings from the failed part. Essex's valve shop tested the new assembly with a hydraulic test. Valve shop technicians sealed one end of the pipe and injected water through a specially created fitting. The water pressure was then increased to above 800 pounds psi and sustained for 30 minutes.

“It was a challenge to find the right materials, because our hydrostatic test stand is designed for valves,” said Machinist Mate 3rd Class Ian C. McGregor. “We had to adapt gaskets and fittings to match up to their compressor air piping.”

When the project was finally completed the piping was returned to the Tobruk for installation, and Essex Sailors were proud to have had one more opportunity to work closely with their Australian navy friends to accomplish the mission.

Talisman Saber is a U.S.- and Australian-led joint task force exercise designed to prepare both nations for crisis action planning and the execution of contingency operations. The exercise maintains a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces, demonstrating commitment to regional security and the military alliance. The exercise also supports increased flexibility and readiness, which are force multipliers in winning the global war on terror.

Essex is the only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.