PORTSMOUTH, Va. -- Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), Naval Sea Systems Command field activity, successfully undocked USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) two days early, July 17.
The early undocking set a new record for Engineered Refueling Overhauls (EROs) on the East Coast, beating NNSY's former record set on USS Alaska (SSBN 732) almost a decade ago.
An ERO is a complex, major shipyard availability during which the submarine is refueled and upgraded before returning to support the country's nuclear deterrence strategy. Ninety percent of the production work for USS Rhode Island's ERO was completed and certified while the boat was in dock. The ship is now completing its ERO pier-side at NNSY.
"Thanks to the Rhode Island team for leading us in this monumental achievement - leading the way in safety, planning, and execution of quality work on time," said Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown. "America's Shipyard and the Rhode Island crew certainly have our sights set on a successful end game. Thanks for all involved in a safe and successful undocking evolution.
"The Rhode Island team celebrated another success earlier in the availability, completing the nuclear refueling work in 217 days, beating their goal by three days and setting another NNSY record. The early completion reflects Vice Adm. Tom Moore, NAVSEA commander's commitment to returning ships to the fleet on-time, on-budget.
In addition to the small amount of production work remaining on the boat, system testing and certification and ship's crew training will be conducted, culminating in sea trials next year.
NNSY is the oldest and largest industrial facility belonging to the U.S. Navy, and specializes in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines.