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NAVFAC Hawaii's New Crane Provides Lift to Operational Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090921-02
Release Date: 9/21/2009 2:24:00 PM

By James Johnson, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- After completing a comprehensive, yearlong safety certification and training process, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii began using its newest and largest crane, which allows for a more versatile array of work services.

"The new crane has been very beneficial and economical to the Navy because of its capability to set up on-site easily," said Daniel McMoore, weight handling and equipment director at NAVFAC Hawaii. "Before, the task utilized the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) barge crane to conduct the work, which took more extensive planning and manpower to get done."

PHNSY had previously purchased the same model crane, a Grove GMK 4100, because of its suitability for use on aging piers. By choosing the same crane as PHNSY, NAVFAC Hawaii's costs and safety research time that accompany such a large purchase were reduced. That was important because shipyard crane support requests have increased in recent years and the new vehicle will meet those demands.

With the new equipment, NAVFAC Hawaii is able to offer assistance to PHNSY for maintenance work. The Grove GMK 4100 is also ideal because the Navy's newer class of warships feature taller antenna towers which require regular maintenance.

Versatility is another benefit of the crane. Traveling to and around job sites is easier when compared to the 12 other cranes NAVFAC Hawaii operates. Part of the versatility comes from the ability to remove heavy counterweights, which can be taken separately to the job site. This allows the crane to travel on any public road or bridge. With all its counterweights, the crane has a maximum carrying capacity of 100 tons.

"The advantage of this crane is that it's got so much height that we don't have to erect a jib [a special piece of equipment used to achieve extra height]," said Wayne Keanu, rigger in charge at NAVFAC Hawaii.
"Weapons exchanges are also easier because normally the ship has to turn around, which takes a lot of work. And, with this crane, we have more reach."