PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii –
Hawaii Regional Maintenance Center (HRMC) conducted its first-ever planned maintenance availability (PMAV) for Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) in the Pearl Harbor basin this past July.
Tulsa conducted an 11-day PMAV while in port at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii to prepare for the ship’s participation in RIMPAC 2022, and return transit to San Diego following the ship’s 2021-2022 deployment to Seventh Fleet. This maintenance period included preventive maintenance checks on the ship’s system and equipment, according to Terrence Calaustro, a project manager for surface ship operations at HRMC.
“Preventive maintenance checks keep the ship’s system and equipment performing optimally and reduce downtime over the life of the equipment - similar to taking your car in for a 100,000-mile check,” Calaustro said. “These procedures range anywhere from 400 to 1,200 checks within a planned maintenance availability period.”
For the HRMC team, the Tulsa’s PMAV was an interesting first experience. Through diligent planning and coordination, HRMC conducted a highly successful maintenance availability on the ship’s systems, equipment and the modern jet propulsion system.
According to Calaustro, planning for the PMAV typically begins by identifying the periodicity of the maintenance availability such as annual, monthly, or a quarterly checks. The HRMC team then identifies material requirements, and reviews the need for any special on-site technical representation or original equipment manufacturer support.
“Quality assurance spot checks and daily progress meetings need to be conducted to ensure on time delivery,” Calaustro said.
Calaustro emphasized the importance of successfully executing this PMAV as a benchmark for future LCS maintenance schedules.
“I’m glad we had an opportunity to accomplish a PMAV on an LCS,” Calaustro said. “In doing so, HRMC can now provide repairs and PMAVs for home ported and transitioning ships. A one-stop ship repair facility for all repair support.”
Tulsa is homeported in San Diego as part of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. LCS are versatile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments and win against 21st-century coastal threats. These ships provide forward presence and conduct maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.