5 l 9 l 2022
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Aaron Pritchett
New Pier Will Support Columbia Program A new pier now under construction in the North Yard will be a crucial piece in the Columbia-Class Submarine Program, where Newport News Shipbuilding plays a major supporting role.
But that simple description doesn’t do justice to the complexity and breadth of this project. It’s been a rewarding experience for Aaron T. Kenny, the O41 facilities engineer overseeing the work.
Construction began about a year ago on the pier, which is just north of Dry Dock 12. It will allow NNS to load Columbia submarine modules onto a barge for transport to General Dynamics Electric Boat, the prime contractor for the program.
“We’re building the largest modules we’ve ever shipped out, and we’re utilizing a whole new design for something to carry these modules,” he said. “The engineering being done is amazing.” The new pier will accommodate an Electric
Boat barge that is nearly 400 feet long, big enough to carry modules for what will be the Navy’s largest-ever submarine. Once assembled, Columbia-class submarines will be slightly longer than the Washington Monument is tall. The barge will not use typical mooring lines to remain at the pier. As Kenny explained, the barge has two transom arms that will lock the barge into place. A pair of pins embedded in the pier will work in concert with the transom arms.
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Shipbuilders Complete Milestone on USS Boise The team of shipbuilders involved in overhaul work on USS Boise (SSN 764) recently removed the Los Angeles-class submarine’s shaft – a major milestone.
“This was a huge evolution for the Boise itself,” said Construction Supervisor David Lemon. “Most of us had never seen or done this before, Shipbuilders work to remove the shaft of USS Boise (SSN 764).
and to come together and perform it a couple of days early on schedule with no major flaws or safety concerns is just outstanding. It’s a testament to the foremen and mechanics. They took a lot of pride in their work.” Removing the about 60-foot-long shaft was a coordinated effort that included shipbuilders from multiple trades. CONTINUED ON PG 2