Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) technicians completed the USS Tripoli (LHA 7) availability five days early and ensured the ship’s readiness to meet operational commitments. USS Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.
This is the second time this fiscal year SWRMC completed an availability period ahead of schedule and the first large-deck amphibious assault carrier repair with no maintenance delays since SWRMC stood up as a command in 2004.
“Tripoli came out of its major maintenance period on time and that speaks to the hard work and dedication of this crew,” said Captain Gary Harrington, Tripoli’s commanding officer.
“To come out on top despite numerous barriers is a testament to just how many individuals rolled up their sleeves and chose to work toward a creative solution rather than accept delay,” said Lieutenant Commander Joel Hubbard, project manager. By completing ahead of schedule, SWRMC avoided approximately $1 million in various downstream costs.
Tripoli’s Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) industrial effort consisted of 250 milestones comprising 87,500 man-days of production and testing, 339 intermediate level jobs, and 106 modernization activities to include Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command and Naval Supply Systems Command.
"SWRMC worked with industry partners to find cost-effective and innovative solutions during the availability to support on-time delivery of the ship," said Captain John Bauer, SWRMC commanding officer. "By staying focused on the goal, the team was able to accomplish the required work to return Tripoli to the fleet, ready to support the Navy's mission."
From start to finish, this SRA finished in a little over a year. Its early completion is a testament to the collaboration and professionalism of the project teams and the ship’s crew.
“Every availability has its challenges that can emerge at any time,” said Hubbard. “It’s how the government-industry team collectively responds to them that can make a difference in the outcome.”
SWRMC provides superior ship maintenance and modernization, technical support, training, and innovative solutions to support Fleet readiness.