UCT 2 Concludes Yokosuka Pier Inspection

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Ben McCallum | U.S. Navy Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Tristan de Delva, a Seabee with Construction Diving Detachment Alfa (CDDA), Underwater Construction Team 2, completes a three-hour dive on July 12, 2017 in Truman Bay adjacent to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. CDDA is assessing the Harbor Master Pier in order to develop a comprehensive repair plan that will extend the facility’s service life providing critical berthing space for U.S. 7th Fleet assets. CDDA is on the first stop of their six-month deployment, where they are conducting inspections, maintenance, and repairs of various underwater and waterfront facilities in support of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Ben A. McCallum)  

YOKOSUKA, KAGAWA, JAPAN

08.25.2017

Story by Lt. Matthew Evans 

Underwater Construction Team 2

Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2’s Construction Diving Detachment ALFA (CDDA) conducted a design-level inspection of the Harbor Master Pier onboard Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) in July and August 2017 in order to develop a comprehensive repair plan. This plan will ultimately lead to engineered repair solutions extending the facility’s remaining service life and suitability to provide critical berthing space for 7th Fleet assets.

“Battle damage assessments and expedient underwater repairs are critical components of the Underwater Construction Team’s mission. The inspection and subsequent repair of Harbor Master Pier is vital to sustaining 7th Fleet assets, additionally, it provided a critical training opportunity for future port opening and port restoration operations.” said Lieutenant Michael A. Roster, Officer-in-charge, CDD/A.

This in-depth assessment required the use of ultrasonic thickness testers and bathy-corrometers to assess the level of corrosion and deterioration of 282 individual piles. This will aid engineers in developing a comprehensive repair plan for deteriorating structural concrete and where additional cathodic protection is needed.

The detachment’s expertise in both diving and construction enabled the rapid assessment and documentation of existing conditions. “This was the first step in what will likely become a long-term project for the UCTs” said Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Tristan De Delva, Project Supervisor for the Harbor Master Pier inspection. “We utilized MK-20 surface supplied diving operations to complete the inspection. Overall, we logged approximately 500 hours of bottom time.”

Underwater Construction Technicians have the unique ability of performing shallow, deep water, and terrestrial construction. UCT 2 provides the fleet the ability to inspect, maintain, and repair waterfront facilities, both in times of peace and in war, enabling the fleet to project power forward.

• Date Taken: 08.25.2017
• Date Posted: 09.01.2017 12:42
• Story ID: 246926
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KAGAWA, JP