New Caisson for Dry Dock 1

New Caisson for Dry Dock 1

By ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Clockwise from left: Drydock 1 Plaque (Courtesy of United States Navy), Postcard circa 1905 (Courtesy of Marcus W. Robbins), Docking USS DELAWARE (Courtesy of Marcus W. Robbins), Unidentified Submarine (Historic Norfolk Navy Yard Glass Plate Collection, January 19,1926) Dry Dock 1 Looking West (Courtesy of Sergeant Memorial Room)

In June of 1833, before Dry Dock 1 was formally completed, it was christened by 74gun Ship of the Line, USS Delaware, which became the first vessel to ever dry dock in the Western Hemisphere. A short 28 years later in the same granite dock, the burnt hull of ex-USS Merrimack started her journey of restoration, eventually becoming CSS Virginia, the first steam-powered ironclad warship built by the Confederate States Navy. Begun in 1827 and finished in 1834, Dry Dock 1 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is still in use today.

In 1972, Dry Dock 1 was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The dry dock has been modified over the years to fit the Navy’ s changing needs but most of its original features are still intact, and historic photos from NNSY’s archives tell a story of the great craftsmanship, patriotism, and pride still plentiful at today’s yard.

“It’s awesome to say we still use something 24 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • JUNE 2015

built in 1833,” said Chris Adams, Code 341 Dock Master. “What capabilities did they have [in 1833] to dig a giant hole in the ground and then line it with granite? A lot of engineering thought went into it, and they didn’t have the technology we have today to do major construction like that.”

In early 2014, Colonnas Shipyard began a year-long project to build a new caisson for the dry dock. The old caisson was built in 1924 with riveted construction and a wooden seat (the watertight sealing mechanism).

“The need for the new caisson came from a question about the structural integrity of the old caisson,” said Ryan Nutt, Production Facility and Equipment Management Division (Code 980) Dry Dock Engineering Technician. “One of the design elements of this new caisson is the ability to inspect our ballast tanks. With the new design we can perform maintenance in the tanks while the caisson is seated. We can isolate the ballast

tanks for the safety of personnel and perform our controlled inspections.”

“That’s a big deal operationally as far as what Shop 99DD can do and what they can get done while something is in the dry dock,” said Lt. Tim Emge, Code 340 Docking Officer. “Once it’s certified, Dry Dock 1 can handle any Navy vessel that fits within its capacity.”

In order to certify the dry dock is safe for naval assets, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) will send a team of representatives to inspect the caisson once all of the local testing is completed. The dry dock’s certification will be renewed every three years.

“My ambition, ever since I came through the dry dock program as an apprentice, is to still be here in 2033 for the 200-year anniversary of the dry dock,” said Nutt.

By Dry Dock 1’s standards, operating for another 18 years will be smooth sailing.

To read more about the history of NNSY and Dry Dock 1, visit the shipyard history blog at nnsyhistorymatters.blogspot.com.

FEATURED Recruiter HOWARD WILLIAMS JR. • RIGGER, CODE 700 Howard Williams Jr. has worked as a rigger at NNSY for almost three years. He attended Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City, NC) where he majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. Interview by Kristi Britt • Public Affairs Specialist.

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Allentown, PA but I've lived in North Carolina since high school. I am married to Leonda going on three years. I have two beautiful children: Kylen, who is 7 years old, and Brilee, who is now 18 months. Together we work as a unit and there is no better blessing that God could have given me.

Tell us a little bit about your job.

I am a rigger by trade. I work on carriers, submarines, and special projects where I plan, train, brief and detail jobs in order to get items on, off, or through the boat. We use a mechanical advantage as these items vary in weight and in difficulty. If anything is to move around the shipyard I am part of a vital team that ensures it gets to and from its destination safely. My job also involves being a leader, mentoring, as well as some recruiting.

Above: the old caisson circa 1924 on the left and new caisson on the right. Below: the new caisson arrives from Colonnas.

How did you get involved in recruiting?

I was chosen by upper management to be a representative for Code 700. I set up and attended the career fairs at Tidewater Community College and the College of the Albemarle. I enjoy recruiting for NNSY because I remember what it was like trying to get into the shipyard. I use that motivation to encourage others to take the necessary steps to jumpstart their career. People deserve to have the right information in order for them to be successful. If we get it right then we give them the opportunity for success and we receive quality personnel.

What advice do you have for those interested in recruiting?

I would definitely make sure they understand that it's not an easy job. It requires relaying the information repeatedly and with patience. It requires being able to multitask and understand the lessons learned to make the efforts better each time.

What do you like to do after hours?

I enjoy going to church, spending time with my wife and kids, coaching sports, and racing motorcycles. All of these different avenues are therapeutic stress relievers. Some of the best feelings in the world come from the ones you love and being grateful for what God has given you.