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Portsmouth Construction Increases Dry Dock Capacity

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110414-28
4/14/2011

From Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

KITTERY, Maine (NNS) -- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard completed improvements and certification to dry dock #2, April 12, which increased its ability to maintain larger naval ships. With construction complete, the dry dock can now accommodate a ship 592 feet long with a beam of 80 feet 11 inches.

"This was a very significant project from a construction point of view," said Capt. Rick Burgess, Naval Facilities Command Mid-Atlantic operations officer. "The engineering up front, the on-yard coordination, and all the actual work; it is very impressive to see it come together in support of the shipyard completing its mission."

The dry dock was lengthened 52 feet and the outer sill structure was lowered by 2 feet 3 inches to match the dry dock's current elevation. To accommodate the new and deeper entrance, a new caisson gate was built. Major utility upgrades were also completed on the steam and condensate, high pressure air, fresh water, low pressure air, pure water, and electrical and lighting systems.

"It's great to have the dry dock back," said Capt. Bryant Fuller, shipyard commander.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is one of four public shipyards assigned to Naval Sea Systems Command, each playing a key role in maintaining the Navy's ships. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is committed to maximizing the material readiness of the fleet by ensuring every ship is ready to respond to the Navy's mission. The shipyard provides the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet with quality maintenance work in a safe, timely and affordable manner.