NNSY Project Team
COMPLETES GEORGE H.W . BUSH Planned Incremental Availability
16 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2016
BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kirk Putnam contributed to this story.
The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) July 23 after completing its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). During the 13-month maintenance period, more than 600,000 mandays of work were completed while the shipyard performed critical upgrades on the Vacuum Collection Holding Tanks (VCHT) and Close-In Weapons System (CIWS). Emergent work included repairs to the aircraft elevators and propulsion plant components. After leaving the shipyard, GHWB conducted sea trials to evaluate Sailors' performance and ensure the operability of ship equipment and systems. "Sea trials went like clockwork,” said Project Superintendent Jeff Burchett. “All the efforts that went into this availability to get us to that point have been extraordinary. When we got out there, all the efforts that the folks put in to ensure that everything was ready to operate showed." Sea trials test ship equipment that supports surface operations, flight deck evolutions, deck seamanship and damage control readiness through various drills and system checks. This includes high-speed turns, aqueous film forming foam tests on the flight deck and hangar bays, anchor drop testing, and sea and anchor drills. “The work is vital because a big piece of the availability is fixing what is broken to prevent headaches for ship’s force,” said Operations Officer Capt. Maria Silsdorf. “We need to ensure good material condition of systems so the ship can operate and train to support its deployed mission.” Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown said he truly appreciates the combined efforts of the project team during the past year. "It's your efforts that have enabled us to deliver this national asset back to the Fleet." The project team was responsible for ensuring GHWB left in better condition than when it arrived, a task that would not have been possible without support from departments across the shipyard. According the Burchett, a strong relationship with ship’s force played a big role in the project team’s success. "The commanding and executive officers’ relationship with project team leadership was very good. We stayed in constant communication with where we were and quickly resolved any issues that came up." The team displayed extraordinary toughness through this availability,” added Silsdorf. “Thank you for everybody's support and service!” AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 17