Iwo JimaTeam
COMPLETES AVAILABILITY Ahead of Schedule
BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MEGAN ANUCI The shipyard project team, in support of Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, completed the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Planned Maintenance Availability at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida June 29. Successful management of the extensive work package ensured Iwo Jima’s return to fleet operations two days ahead of schedule. The scheduled maintenance began in August 2015. Norfolk Naval Shipyard contributed 14,500 mandays during the availability, which took place 650 miles away from the shipyard. “This availability was a success due to the efforts of all,” said Deputy Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command Vice Adm. Richard P. Breckenridge in a Bravo Zulu message to the team. “This impressive achievement sets the amphibious standard for not only Mayport, but for the entire fleet.” The scope of NNSY’s responsibility during the availability included repairs, inspections, and upgrades on the aircraft elevators, boilers, numerous steam valves, hydraulic accumulators, and control valves. “What was unique about this availability was NNSY had not performed this work on an LHD in Mayport in more than a decade,” said Project Superintendent David Kidd. “So packing up and getting the people, material, and equipment to the location and ready to start work was a feat on its own. It just shows NNSY's ability to adapt, overcome and repair ships anywhere.” At one point during the project, more than 150 shipyard employees
were engaged on site in Florida. “This work involved just about every shop and code in the shipyard,” said Kidd. “We had the chance to work, teach and learn with a lot of new apprentices, mechanics and supervisors on this project. Team building is crucial for the future of NNSY.” The work involved a lot of long-distance coordination as NNSY project team members in Mayport had to ship components to the shipyard for repair, fabrication, and testing. The parts were then shipped back to Florida for reinstallation and operational testing. “When you look at all the wickets that people, procedures, tools and material have to pass through to ensure everything is correct, it can be mind boggling,” said Kidd. “This is what we do every day no matter where we are at in the world.” Kidd also commended the support of shipyard Travel Office employees. “Their support was outstanding. Thank you to Renaldo ‘Dwayne’ Barber and his team for helping us with lodging, orders, plane tickets and rental cars. And thank you Geraldine McHerrin for your tireless effort with the travel cards.” Because of the combined efforts of the project team members, Iwo Jima is now ready to support disaster relief for the east coast and Caribbean during hurricane season. Kidd says he is proud of all shipyard personnel for their hard work. “We thank their families for the sacrifices that they made being away from their loved ones during this time. We did it to support our Navy. That's what it's all about at America's Shipyard! We fix ships!” AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 11