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Roosevelt Takes Back Port Anchor Chain

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101206-30
12/6/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Cory Asato, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt's (CVN 71) Deck department showed their strength Nov. 30 when they installed the first portions of the 162-ton port-side anchor chain during the ship's multi-year Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.

Installing the anchor chain will open the door to reattaching one of the ship's 30-ton anchors, which is a critical step in preparing Theodore Roosevelt to leave drydock.

"The process of installing the anchor chain involves teamwork and coordination not only between Sailors in the division, but also with civilian contractors," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Darrin Streater, Deck Department 1st division leading chief petty officer. "A lot of training was involved in preparation for this evolution."

Capt. Douglas Verissimo, USS Theodore Roosevelt executive officer, said he was impressed with the teamwork displayed by all involved in the evolution, and said the ship is one step closer to leaving dry dock and getting back to the fleet.

"Installation of one of the ship's anchors and its accompanying chain is just another example of the effectiveness and professionalism of Team Theodore Roosevelt," said Verissimo. "Ship's force and Northrop Grumman Newport News have achieved this important milestone by executing precise coordination and close teamwork to complete the install safely, successfully, all in a timely manner."

TR's Boatswain, Chief Warrant Officer Cary Carrigan, said he was more concerned with the safety of the job than the speed, and was satisfied with the end result. Shipyard workers and Sailors did a thorough job while still sticking to their schedule.

"The key thing is safety," said Carrigan. "Anything from equipment failure to lines parting or human error is always a possibility. We did well to cross that knowledge barrier between experienced Sailors who have been on cruise and our new Sailors."

While many Sailors in TR's Deck department have never taken part in jobs related to their rate since entering dry dock, Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW/AW) Rashad Williams, the petty officer in charge during the evolution, said veteran Sailors and new Sailors came together and got the job done without incident.

"Everyone was well-prepared," said Williams. "It was just like being on cruise – we didn't miss a beat. Since we've been in the shipyard we haven't been able to do much rate-related stuff. We were excited when we found out we were going to do this today."

Verissimo expressed his gratitude to the Sailors and shipyard employees who have spent countless hours working to help RCOH run on schedule without incident.

"Every RCOH process gets better and better for each ship that goes through it," said Verissimo. "Ours has been the best so far."

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 Theodore Roosevelt'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 prepared for another 25 years or more of service.