Photo By Harrison Cox | USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) steams in the Atlantic Ocean during the Iwo Jima...... read more read more
NORFOLK, Va – The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) is conducting the first operational deployment of an aluminum repair technology aboard dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50).
Aboard the ship, the eight-member Naval Architecture and Structures team is performing reverse sensitization—a heat-treatment process that repairs cracked and damaged aluminum structures without requiring costly part replacement.
The reverse sensitization process applies short-term controlled heating of the compromised aluminum ship structure at high temperature to reverse the effects of sensitization due to natural thermal aging, making it weld-repairable instead of requiring complete structural replacement. “We are seeing very positive results, and there is certainly a possibility that this technology could be used on other compromised aluminum structures throughout the Fleet” said Gus Goddin, Naval Architecture and Structures branch head.
The Naval Architecture and Structures team, including Gayle Dills, Noel Parker, Ed Artis, Trevor McCarthy, Alan Anderson, Jose Ruiz, and Jesse Cohn, has worked in four-person teams seven days a week, weather permitting.
The Reverse Sensitization Unit (RSU) manufactured by Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), Sensitization occurs in these alloys when exposed to temperatures that are typically above 122 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.
“The successful deployment of reverse sensitization technology could have significant implications for naval maintenance,” said Noel Parker, engineering technician, Naval Architecture and Structures team, MARMC, added. “Traditional repair methods for sensitized aluminum have required extensive part replacement or complex welding procedures, both time-consuming and expensive. If proven effective in the operational environment aboard Carter Hall, the technology could be deployed across the Fleet to extend the service life of aluminum structures, potentially saving substantial maintenance costs and reducing shipyard time.” The portable nature of the RSU equipment could also enable sailors to perform repairs aboard their own vessels, improving operational readiness.
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) 05P reviewed CTC’s technical report, instructor guide, and user manual, leading to a recommendation for production use of the RSU in December 2020. The operational deployment of the Reverse Sensitization Unit (RSU) marks the first use of this technology in a production environment having completed extensive testing and validation by the original equipment manufacturer and NAVSEA.
MARMC has completed the reverse sensitization work and proved that this technology is viable in a waterfront setting, with results being closely monitored by NAVSEA for potential Fleet-wide implementation.
MARMC, a field activity under NAVSEA, provides surface ship maintenance, management and oversight of private sector maintenance and fleet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
For the latest on MARMC news, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/podcast/638/the-maintainer-podcast
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.06.2025 12:34 |
| Story ID: | 544881 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, MARMC Tests Aluminum Repair Technology Aboard USS Carter Hall, by Harrison Cox, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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