APR02-02: NAVSEA Approves New Peel & Stick Non-Skid
By Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

SAN DIEGO – Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has recently approved a new non-skid coating for use onboard Navy ships.

Applying traditional non-skid involves mixing, troweling, curing time and potential waste. Depending on the application, those days could be gone.

The new type provides a quick and easy non-slip surface that ship’s force apply themselves," said John Wegand, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division non-skid engineering manager.

NSWC Carderock is a NAVSEA field activity. As a Technical Authority, NAVSEA is accountable for the technical engineering elements of ship maintenance,

modernization, construction, design and safety.

"The new "peel & stick" variety offers a 66 percent cost savings when compared to covering a similar area using traditional non-skid," said Cruiser Class Squadron (CGRON) Combat Systems Analyst Chief Fire Controlman (Surface Warfare) Anthony Belbeck. "The new non-skid also offers a 50 percent weight savings compared to a similar area."

Commander, Naval Surface Force's Financial Readiness Management Team has validated a $31.8 thousand dollar benefit in cost avoidance. Continuing this effort, CGRON is working with USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Cowpens (CG 63) to help fund the installation of peel & stick vice traditional non-skid.

Twenty-three hundred square feet of the new material was installed onboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) in April 2008. The ship has been on deployment since January 2009.

"It is much easier to keep clean and it’s holding up remarkably well; I have not had to replace anything as of yet," said Boatswain’s Mate Third Class John B. Prosperie, USS Lake Champlain, OD Division.

The non-skid material has also withstood the heavy abuse of ammunition cans, tools and traffic without the cohesive effectiveness being noticeably affected. The ship's Sailors also reported that repairs could be accomplished by one person with minimal equipment and time.

"The material is holding up great! It’s easy to apply and repair. Its durability surpasses traditional non-skid. The (traditional) material on the main deck, laid at the same time, is already chipping and peeling," said Senior Chief Operations Specialist Christopher Burford, USS Lake Champlain, OI Division.

The new non-skid is now available through the Navy supply system as an open purchase item from the Louisiana Association for the Blind.

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