8 l 6 l 2018
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by John Whalen
New Crane Rises at NNS Newport News Shipbuilding’s skyline changed last weekend when crews lifted into place the girders of the shipyard’s new 315-metricton Goliath gantry crane. “We have been getting pushed back by the weather for several weeks now, but thankfully we caught a break Saturday morning and were able to begin the 1,700-metric-ton lift,” said Brian Jones (O48), project manager for the crane replacement project. It took crews 12 hours on Saturday and until noon on Sunday to
lift the crane’s girders, which are emblazoned with NNS’ name and logo. At 241 feet tall, the new crane is even taller than the 1,050-metric-ton crane in the North Yard, also known as “Big Blue.” It will replace the 49-year-old green Goliath gantry crane that currently spans dry docks 10 and 11. However, the green crane isn’t coming down just yet. It will remain in use for the Refueling and Complex Overhaul of USS George Washington (CVN 73). CONTINUED ON PG 3