NORFOLK, Virginia. - Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) successfully
undocked USS Maryland (SSBN 738) Feb 21.
SSBN 738 is now pier-side to finish its Engineered Refueling
Overhaul (ERO), a complex, major shipyard availability at the submarine's
mid-life point that enables the submarine to operate for its entire design
service life. Maryland has been at NNSY since Dec. 2012.
Some of the major jobs during the availability include ship
systems overhaul, specifically the replacement of distilling plants with a
reverse osmosis unit; replacement of the service turbine generator rotor with a
low-sensitivity rotor; installation of an upgraded 500 kilowatt motor generator;
and local area network upgrades.
Undocking was achieved despite high winds challenging crane
service, unusually cold weather preventing the normal process of washing down
the dry dock, and several inches of snowfall. When it became apparent the effort
might fall short of maintaining the planned undocking date, volunteers pitched
in from around the shipyard to assist.
"The team has shown great perseverance and refused to give up,"
said Project Superintendent John Darlington. "It took the entire shipyard to
help us get through the snow event, and we have proven that when everyone works
together we can be successful. This is a proud project team and we will continue
to work together to give the shipyard more successes in the future."
In addition to the small amount of production work to still be
accomplished on the boat, system testing and certification and Ship's Force
training will be conducted, culminating in sea trials later this year.
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.