NORFOLK, Virginia. - Norfolk Naval Shipyard's (NNSY) Inside Machine Shop
successfully performed its first rudder repair since 1991, on USS Albany (SSN
753), which is currently undergoing an Engineered Overhaul.
The job started in September 2014 when the rudder was transported
to the shop for repair. It was completed last month and is currently in the
process of being reinstalled on the Albany. The repair was performed using the
shop's Betts Machine, a vertical turret lathe that has been in the shop since
1928.
The last time the Inside Machine Shop machined a rudder at NNSY was
1991 on the USS Wainwright (DLG 28).
"The same guys who were still here [from the Wainwright job], gave
their input on the job and how to do it. They made sure we set it up right,"
said Scott Craven, NNSY mechanical group supervisor. "It would have been a lot
harder for us if the guys weren't here to help us. The work itself is unique and
it's rare we have to use this type of machine. So knowing we had that support
made all the difference."
Albany's Engineered Overhaul, the largest maintenance event the
boat will experience in its operational life-cycle, is comprised of a large
modernization package and extensive refurbishments.
"This demonstrates the shop is still capable of doing big, complex
jobs like this," said Mike Johnson, NNSY mechanical group supervisor. "It's
important how we work this job and these younger guys were able to get hands on
experience doing this."
NNSY, a Naval Sea Systems Command field activity, is the oldest
industrial facility belonging to the U.S. Navy, and specializes in repairing,
overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines.