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Steam & Heat Shop Keeps Wasp Comfortable

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100311-17
Release Date: 3/11/2010 12:50:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Koons, USS Wasp Public Affairs

USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) requires the use of steam to perform vital services for many functions onboard. When it comes time to perform maintenance and repairs on many of the systems that use steam for power, the crew turns to the ship's steam and heat shop.

A total of six Sailors comprise the shop, which is part of Engineering Department's Auxiliaries (A) Division. They are charged with maintaining and repairing equipment on the ship which is powered by "hotel" steam, defined as having a weight of 150 pounds-per-square-inch or less.

This includes environmental and laundry equipment, vertical package conveyers, hot water heaters, and many other important systems.

"If it wasn't for them, the crew couldn't eat hot meals, take warm showers, or sleep comfortably at night," said Chief Engineman (SW) Patrick McGee, A Division's leading chief petty officer. "They provide all the amenities of home for the crew."

The steam and heat shop's work encompasses the entire ship, ensuring they are never at a loss for work.

"They are responsible for equipment in about 52 spaces throughout the ship," said McGee. "More than half of this equipment is integrated with other departments who operate them, but the steam and heat shop is responsible for their maintenance and upkeep."

To keep this equipment up and running, the shop uses the simplest tools.

"We use pipe and pressing wrenches to fix leaks, and also crow bars, chain falls, and other basic tools on our repair jobs," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class (SW) Marlon Nesbitt. "Fixing water heaters is our most difficult job, because if the steam coil bursts, we have to pull the whole heater out using a chain fall and get it to a place where we can work on it."

Repairing equipment such as water heaters is vital if the ship is to be habitable for its crew.

"Water heaters provide hot water for showers, deep sinks, the sculleries, galley equipment, and anywhere else it is needed on the ship," said Nesbitt.

As Wasp has been preparing for its upcoming Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), those Sailors have been busier than normal.

"We have had to balance trying to get all of the equipment we're responsible for within standards, conduct field days, and do preventive maintenance," said Gas Turbine System (Mechanical) Fireman Shanycia Mitchell. "But if we pass INSURV, it will all have been worth it."

In spite of their rigorous schedule, the steam and heat shop never tires in their quest to keep the ship's services up and running.