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Carl Vinson's Weapons Department Prepares for RCOH Completion

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081211-33
Release Date: 12/11/2008 8:46:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ashley Van Dien, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Weapons Department is preparing for the completion of the ship's refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) and the beginning of sea trials.

Every division of the weapons department worked long hours to complete the RCOH process and take back ownership of the ship.

During RCOH, the G-1 division prepped the ready service lockers (RSL), located on the flight deck. The RSLs hold grenades, flares and other ordnance that may be needed to defend the ship. Additionally, Sailors from G-1 division are attending the required classes to receive their flight-deck qualifications.

The G-2 division has been preparing for weapon magazine sprinkler system testing.

"These tests are very important because without a functional sprinkler system, we cannot store ordnance on board," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) Mark Wilkinson. "Ordnance is crucial to a warship's mission readiness."

The 32 magazines aboard, structurally, are the responsibility of the G-3 division. G-3 Sailors are making the magazines ready-to-store ordnance by painting, repairing lagging and hanging hoists. The division is also sending many of its Sailors to a training detachment in Fallon, Nev., to earn qualifications in building, assembling, breaking out and re-stowing ordnance.

"G-4 division is responsible for 10 weapons elevators, including six lower stage elevators and four upper stage elevators. Each can carry up to 10,500 pounds," said Wilkinson. "We are performing tests to ensure that the elevators can safely transport ordnance to the flight deck to support the air wing."

G-4 division will also be responsible for maintenance and testing on several EE electrical reach forks. G-5 personnel are responsible for the department's administrative processes, quality assurance and ordnance control.

Operationally, the weapons department's overall job is to sustain any embarked air wing through flight operations and ordnance support. The upcoming completion of RCOH is a sign that the "Gold Eagle" is nearing sea trials and will soon be underway.

Carl Vinson is 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.

During RCOH, Carl Vinson's nuclear fuel will be replenished and the ship's services and infrastructure will be upgraded to make her the most state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and prepare for another 25 years or more of service.

For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.