The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) performs high-speed turns during the rudder check phase and sea trials certification. Carl Vinson is now working towards a flight deck certification. While at sea, the ship will launch and recover aircraft for the first time in nearly four and a half years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stumberg/Released)WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy took re-delivery of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) July 11, following successful completion of its Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH).
USS Carl Vinson began its RCOH in November, 2005. During her RCOH more than 20 million man-hours of work were conducted on board the ship, divided between refueling the propulsion plant, upgrading ship's infrastructure to last another 25 years, and modernizing combat systems and airwing capabilities to increase combat effectiveness.
"USS Carl Vinson's return to the fleet is the result of hard work by the ship's crew, shipyard employees, and the men and women at Program Executive Office (PEO) Carriers and the Naval Sea Systems Command who plan and oversee the ship's RCOH. Thanks to advance planning efforts begun years before the start of work we were able to complete the RCOH on budget," said Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers Rear Adm. Michael McMahon.
USS Carl Vinson is the third Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to complete RCOH at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) begins her RCOH later this summer. Advance Planning is currently ongoing for the USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) RCOH.
PEO Aircraft Carriers is responsible for the acquisition, modernization and support of the Navy's in-service and future aircraft carriers.