PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD

PNSY Completes First Ever Virginia-class Major Maintenance Availability

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) delivered USS Virginia (SSN 774) back to the fleet following the completion of the first major maintenance availability for the Virginia class, May 5.

 

The ship arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Sept. 1, 2010, for an Extended Docking Selected Restricted Availability. The project team and ship’s crew worked with Virginia-class shipbuilders General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding, as well as Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to overcome the many challenges inherent with the first ever overhaul of a new class of submarine.

 

“As the first naval shipyard to overhaul a Virginia-class submarine we felt it was important to partner with the builders and our sister shipyards to share both the knowledge and lessons learned on Virginia,” said Project Superintendent Bill Caron. “Thanks to the team effort put forth by Virginia’s crew and combined shipyard workforce, we successfully overcame a number of new challenges.”

 

As this was the first time overhauling a Virginia-class submarine, PSNY learned a number of lessons that will be shared with Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, which will conduct the next Virginia-class overhaul on USS Texas (SSN 775). 

 

“The knowledge we gained will substantially benefit all future Virginia-class maintenance and be useful in new construction,” said Shipyard Commander Bryant Fuller. “Increased knowledge, best practices and, most importantly, a submarine in top-notch condition and ready for operations are our contributions to the Navy and fleet commanders in meeting our nation's operational commitments."

Virginia was commissioned Oct. 23, 2004 and is the first of the newest class of attack submarines. Virginia-class submarines are designed to dominate the world’s littoral and deep waters, while conducting anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; special operation forces; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, firepower, and sensor suite directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. 

The completion of submarine availabilities is critical in the maintenance of today’s Fleet and is essential to supporting the Maritime Strategy. PNSY, a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), is committed to maximizing the material readiness of the Fleet by delivering on-time, affordable quality, safely achieved.

 

From Defense Media Activity - Anacostia

The U.S. Navy released a video message from the chief of naval operations (CNO) Sept. 29 for the Navy's upcoming 235th birthday.

"As the Navy celebrates 235 years of service to the nation, it is important to reflect on the vital work our Sailors do and how seapower of our Navy protects our way of life and provides for security and prosperity around the world," said CNO Adm. Gary Roughead.

CNO spoke about the accomplishments of the Navy and the important role it plays in the nation's history.

"Time and again, the U.S. Navy has seized opportunities in times of great challenge and risen to great achievements in peace and war," said Roughead.

Roughead thanked every Sailor for their personal sacrifice and commitment to defending their nation.

"Yours is the calling and the opportunity to serve our nation and it is a calling that not everyone can have," said Roughead.

To watch the CNO's birthday message, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/featurePlay.asp?id=107.

To download the message, visit http://www.navy.mil/view_flash_gallery.asp and click on "Download" next to the video entitled, "CNO's Navy Birthday Message 2010."

USS Miami Arrives For Overhaul
On March 1, attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755) and her crew of 13 officers and 120 enlisted personnel arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. 

 

While at the shipyard, Miami will complete various maintenance work and several system upgrades.  Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is committed to maximizing the material readiness of the Fleet by delivering on-time, affordable quality, safely achieved.

 

Miami is the third ship of the United States Navy named for the city of Miami and the fifth "Improved" Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine.  The improved modifications of this class include retractable bow planes, a reinforced sail for under ice operations, vertical launch Tomahawk Cruise Missile capability, ship quieting enhancements, and an integrated combat systems suite. Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, Miami was commissioned June 30, 1990, and is homeported in Groton, Conn.  

 

Miami recently conducted a five-month deployment from July to Dec. 2011, where the ship and crew conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6^th Fleet area of responsibility.

 

Miami’s Commanding Officer, Commander Roger E. Meyer graduated from Iowa State University in 1992 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Engineering. After graduation he entered the Navy under the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I.

 

Cmdr. Meyer served onboard USS West Virginia (SSBN 736)(GOLD) and USS Maine (SSBN 741)(BLUE) completing three strategic deterrent patrols and earning the battle Efficiency “E” award and Meritorious Unit Commendation.  

 

Following his tour on Maine, Cmdr. Meyer served as an Associate Professor of Naval Science at the Naval Reserve Officer Training Unit, University of Utah. During this tour he earned a Master’s of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Utah.

 

Cmdr. Meyer also served on USS L. Mendel Rivers (SSN 686) completing an Arctic Deployment, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734)(BLUE) completing five strategic deterrent patrols, USS Hartford (SSN 768), and USS Charlotte (SSN 766).

 

On Sept. 20, 2010, Cmdr. Meyer assumed command of USS Miami (SSN 755).

 

 Miami’s host community is the city of Sanford, Maine.

Secretary of Education Visits
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
    

U.S. Secretary of Education, the Honorable Arne Duncan, visited Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), Aug. 31, to better understand the distinct education challenges military families face.

While at the shipyard, Duncan met with New Hampshire and Maine congressional delegates, shipyard leadership, and local school superintendents prior to touring the PNSY Youth Center.

"It was a special honor to host Secretary Duncan," said Capt. Bryant Fuller, shipyard commander. "This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our youth program-and most importantly our talented staff-meeting the unique challenges of military life."

PNSY participates and funds programs that encourage students of all ages to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

During the PNSY Youth Center tour, Duncan signed books, viewed student artwork, and received a student led Sea Perch demonstration. As it was the first time Secretary had seen Sea Perch, he was impressed by the programs ability to engage students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Sea Perch is an innovative underwater robotics program that trains teachers to teach their students how to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting. Building a Sea Perch teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering concepts.

When asked by the Secretary what it was like to build a Sea Perch ROV, one student, Angie Sarni, said, "It was difficult-but really fun!"

Duncan capped off his visit with a brief press availability where he discussed efforts that are underway to meet the educational needs of military families and stressed the need to support the military families.

"My family moved once and that-was enough for us," said Duncan. "These families are moving every year to 18 months-with the things they are going through we need to be as thoughtful and responsive as we can."

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command, is committed to maximize the material readiness of the fleet by ensuring every ship is ready to respond to the Navy's mission. The shipyard further supports readiness by enabling its people through the Navy's Family Readiness programs. Family readiness is a cornerstone of warfighting readiness and has a direct impact on personnel retention, job satisfaction and job performance. PNSY provides the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet with quality overhaul work in a safe, timely and affordable manner.

Robotic Welder Comes On Line
    

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) has integrated a new Robotic Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welder into the Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Battery cabinet fabrication process reducing production welding time by up to 83 percent.

PNSY is the sole provider of VRLA Battery cabinets for all Los Angeles-class submarines requiring the VRLA ship alteration. The cabinet fabrication process is extensive with stringent interior dimension tolerances. In order to meet these high standards, a complex welding sequence was required to distribute heat across the cabinet and minimize distortion during the manual welding operation; a process that could take upwards of eight hours. The robotic welder automates the process completing the sequence in approximately 1 1/2 hours—an 83 percent reduction.

“This machine has a number of benefits,” said Mike Barnes, PNSY’s Robotic MIG Welder operator and programmer. “Not only does it decrease the welding time, but it significantly reduces the final cleaning and grinding process.”

Manual welds required nearly eight hours of final cleaning and grinding compared to just four hours for the robotic welds resulting in an additional 49 percent cycle time reduction.      

 “The robotic welder reduces our welding operations footprint,” said Industrial Engineer Kyaani Robinson, Lean project leader for the VRLA Battery cabinet fabrication process. “The extra space provides us the opportunity to rearrange the work area to continue to improve process flow.”

USS HAMPTON delivered two weeks early

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) delivered USS Hampton (SSN 767) two weeks ahead of schedule Dec. 10. Hampton's Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) marked the first major availability for PNSY at Naval Base Point Loma since standing up the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Detachment-San Diego.

"We challenged ourselves to set a high standard for performance with our first DSRA here in San Diego," said Dennis Crowley, project superintendent. "The team met that challenge by undocking six days early, completing the Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) install 19 days faster than the previous best, and ultimately delivering Hampton two weeks ahead of schedule."

The Hampton DSRA constituted more than 47,000 mandays of work in a 4.4-month timeframe. The project team, consisting of approximately 250 skilled artisans deployed from PNSY in Kittery, Maine, was able to complete the complex work package ahead of schedule while executing the work away from home.

"The project team's performance was incredible," said Hampton Commanding Officer, Cmdr. William Houston. "Despite the logistic challenges of working 3,000 miles away from the shipyard, they stayed ahead of schedule throughout the availability-the professionalism and pride of the PNSY team was exceptional and made it a pleasure for my crew to work with for the past few months."

"This is vintage Portsmouth performance," said Capt. Bryant Fuller, PNSY commander. "The team effort between Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, our San Diego detachment and the Hampton crew was nothing short of outstanding-it was this incredible cooperation that drove the early completion of this complex availability."

The on-time or early completion of DSRAs are critical in the maintenance of today's Fleet and is essential to maintaining warfighter readiness.

   
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 April Currie

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard leadership changes hands

Captain L. Bryant Fuller III (right) relieved Captain Robert W. Mazzone (left) as Commander, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during a Change of Command Ceremony October 9.
     Guest speaker Rear Admiral John Clarke Orzalli, Director, Fleet Maintenance, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command welcomed Captain Fuller and his family and recognized Captain Fuller’s accomplishments. Captain Fuller served as Operations Officer and Project Superintendent for USS ALEXANDRIA (SSN 757) at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 2000.
     “I am humbled and honored to have the privilege to serve as the 83rd Commander at this great Shipyard,” said Captain Fuller. “I know the kind of people that work here and appreciate the talent, dedication and desire they possess. I am thrilled to have the privilege to be part of this Shipyard again.”
     Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s outgoing commander, Captain Mazzone, praised the Shipyard team for their continued efforts to improve processes, drive down injury rates and deliver submarines with the traditional Portsmouth quality. 
     “During my time here I have seen many new and innovative processes implemented at this Shipyard,” said Captain Mazzone. “These processes are leading the way in improved ship maintenance nationwide.”
     Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, one of the Navy’s four public shipyards, provides the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet with quality overhaul work in a safe, timely and affordable manner. This includes a full spectrum of in-house and off-site support—from engineering services and production shops, to unique capabilities and facilities.

New SECNAV visits Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

    In his first trip outside Washington D.C. after being sworn in as Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus, toured Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Monday, June 15. Secretary Mabus said he was impressed with what he saw at the Shipyard and commented on the quality of the workers here, citing the zero tolerance for deficiencies that defines Portsmouth Naval Shipyard quality.
     While at the Shipyard, Secretary Mabus had the opportunity to see first hand the complexity of submarine overhaul and maintenance work onboard USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) which is undergoing an Engineered Overhaul at the Shipyard.
     Accompanied by members of the Maine and New Hampshire Congressional delegations, Secretary Mabus received a three hour tour highlighting a number of process improvement initiatives, construction projects, and unique capabilities of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
     Secretary Mabus expressed his satisfaction with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s willingness to share efficiency initiatives and technology advancements developed at the Shipyard with other facilities for the betterment of our Navy and our Nation.
     Secretary Mabus is the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy, sworn into office on May 19, 2009. As Secretary of the Navy, he leads America’s Navy and Marine Corps and is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $150 billion and almost 900,000 people.  

Annually, on September 5, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard honors the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth. Upon the signing of the treaty at 3:47 p.m. in 1905, Portsmouth’s city bells rang in response to this monumental event bringing an end to the Russo-Japanese War. This has become an annual tradition in Portsmouth, and this year marked the anniversary with a small detail on the Shipyard Mall at 3:30 p.m. The detail remained in place through the sounding of the Shipyard Whistle at 3:47 p.m. The Shipyard salute is part of a larger effort sponsored by the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Anniversary Committee. The Committee arranges for several organizations in Portsmouth to ring their bells in similar fashion as they did over 100 years ago.

Negotiations commenced in the summer of 1905 when President Theodore Roosevelt invited envoys of Russia and Japan to gather in the United States to discuss the terms for ending the Russo-Japanese War.  The United States had been monitoring the war between the two empires, and had a direct interest in preserving the balance of power in the Pacific region.  For this reason, President Roosevelt was motivated to provide a neutral forum for the two warring nations. After careful consideration as to the location of the peace conference, the second floor of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s General Stores Building (now the headquarters building), Building 86, was chosen as the site for the negotiations. The second floor was renovated for this purpose to include delegate offices, a dining area, and the main negotiating room. Portsmouth and the surrounding communities were able to participate in the process by entertaining the diplomats and the international press that accompanied them.  Although the duration of the meetings was only a month from August 8, 1905 to the treaty signing at 3:47 p.m. on September 5, 1905, the local community will long remember this event as one of the most important in their history.