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"Gold Eagle" Electrical Division Works to Bring Power Back to Ship

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080211-08
Release Date: 2/11/2008 9:58:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephen Tate, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Crew members of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the "Gold Eagle," work towards another shipyard milestone Jan. 30, as they reassume the task of reenergizing the ship's Topside Load Centers as part of the aircraft carrier's refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) process.

As the ship's Crew Move-Aboard (CMA) date looms closer, distributing electrical power to the proper equipment becomes more and more critical with each day that passes.

"We can't do CMA without electrical power," said Electrician's Mate 3rd Class (SW) Darry Cox, of the ship's electrical division. "We need power going into the ventilation, the lighting fixtures, and anything else that makes the ship habitable."

The "Gold Eagle" has reenergized 20 of 25 load centers on board to properly distribute electrical power throughout the ship's spaces. Carl Vinson Sailors working on the project have continuously worked toward completion of the evolution since the initiative began in 2006.

"We started aft of the ship and have slowly worked our way forward," said Cox. "As major equipment goes on-line, we reenergize a load center to give that equipment electrical power."

Bringing Carl Vinson's load centers back online has not been without challenges, as the risk of electrical shock is always present. By following protocol and stressing the importance of utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE), Team Carl Vinson has set the standard for operating both safely and effectively.

"We make sure every breaker is individually tagged out of service before we bring the Load Center online," said Cox. "After the Load Center is back online, we then clear each tag individually. We also have our (PPE) requirements, which include electrical gloves, a rope harness, and a rubber mat that we always put to use."

Completion of the evolution will mark yet another milestone for the ship's crew as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier draws closer to completion of its scheduled RCOH yard period.

"The key to success has been the open communication between Northrop Grumman News shipyard employees and Carl Vinson's crew," said Ensign Robert Kulisan, of the ship's electrical division. "This cooperation has resulted in the restoration of each Load Center up to two weeks ahead of schedule to support each key event that we do. All these events are stepping stones to returning the ship to operational status."

Carl Vinson is currently undergoing its scheduled RCOH at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.

For more news from USS Carl Vinson, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.