U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) placed the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) into dry-dock for an extensive Extended Docking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA), April 9.
The purpose of this docking is to accomplish modernization and repairs that can’t be accomplished with Curtis Wilbur waterborne. The maintenance period will bring numerous enhancements to the ship to keep it operationally ready and able to meet her evolving mission.
Prior to every docking, SRF-JRMC makes numerous engineering calculations to ensure that the ship will settle on the docking blocks safely.
“The blocks are all measured to precise tolerances to ensure that the spacing and height are correct, so that the weight of the ship will be supported. The evolution is then briefed to all parties involved, so that we know what will happen and can anticipate any problems in advance,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ashley Wright, Waterfront Operations Deputy.
The safety of the ship and her Sailors are critical during the docking and throughout the EDSRA. Attention to detail and a questioning attitude are crucial to identifying possible discrepancies, verifying calculations, and ensuring the ship lands safely on the blocks.
Lt. Charles Lehman, SRF-JRMC Docking Officer, added, “I enjoy the challenge of preparing the ship for docking, guiding it into dock, and landing it safely. Everyone has to be working together as a team for an evolution to go smoothly. This involves a lot of preparation by the Docking Office and ship’s force. Thorough preparation allows you to be ready to react to any issue that arises.”
During the EDSRA, SRF-JRMC will provide Curtis Wilbur with various ship repairs, maintenance, and modernization, while ensuring compliance with environmental policies, as well as safe practices.
“The SRF-JRMC Environmental Division conducts daily checks of the dry-dock and the areas surrounding the ship to ensure that all environmental laws are being followed. The project team is trained on how to respond in the case there is an incident, and take all precautions when dealing with hazardous materials,” said Lt. Lara Ray.
SRF-JRMC recently undocked the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) after completion of her several months-long Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA).
The Mustin DSRA completed needed repairs to the underwater hull, various other repairs and routine maintenance, and installed several upgrades.
Cmdr. Assunta Lopez, Waterfront Operations Officer, said this DSRA was an emergent docking for main machinery space repairs and upgrades to the ship’s radars, antennas, and habitability. “SRF-JRMC maintained Mustin and modernized her with the latest capabilities for continued 7th Fleet service.”
According to Masaki Fukuda, SRF-JRMC Dock Master, finding a suitable window for undocking Mustin was tricky because of the high winds at the time.
“The most important aspect of performing a successful docking or undocking is effective communications between the docking team members and the crew. The high winds advisory and surrounding weather made this undocking particularly challenging. It was difficult to find a 12-hour window to safely undock the ship,” Fukuda said.
Mustin’s undocking was a successful evolution. SRF-JRMC never takes a break from their mission to “Keep the 7th Fleet Operationally Ready.”
| Date Taken: |
04.09.2014 |
| Date Posted: |
03.11.2024 02:03 |
| Story ID: |
465808 |
| Location: |
YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: |
39 |
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0 |
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