USS Abraham Lincoln Underway for Sea Trials

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark Logico

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham 

Lincoln (CVN 72) got underway for sea trails, May 9, following a four-year 

refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, 

Newport News, Virginia.

The four-day sea trails marks Abraham Lincoln's first time underway since 

March 2013. The ship spent its last days in the shipyard completing a five-day

"fast cruise," May 2-7, making final preparations for its transit to Naval Station 

Norfolk.

"We are looking forward to taking the ship out on the open water where we 

belong," said Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, Lincoln's executive officer. "I am 

honored to serve with our crew. This dedicated and impressive group put an 

incredible amount of work into revitalizing this ship. We are grateful for their 

efforts and to our partners at Newport News Shipbuilding, and eagerly 

anticipate completing successful sea trials and returning to the fleet ready 

for tasking later this year."

During sea trials, the Abraham Lincoln crew will undergo multiple training 

scenarios and qualification evolutions to include engineering maneuvers 

designed to evaluate the performance of the ship after the extensive 

maintenance period.

"Our team has worked hard to get USS Abraham Lincoln ready to redeliver 

to the fleet," said Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, program executive officer for 

aircraft carriers. "She has undergone significant combat systems modernization 

and will also be the first CVN capable of accommodating the F-35C 

Lightning II. This RCOH enabled the ship to meet future missions and 

continued service life requirements for many years to come."

During RCOH, more than 2.5 million man-hours of work were conducted 

aboard the ship, including refueling the reactors, upgrading ship's infrastructure 

and modernizing combat systems and air wing capabilities to increase combat 

effectiveness.

Abraham Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to complete RCOH, 

a major lifecycle milestone at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of 

Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News. She returns to the fleet as 

one of the most modern and technologically-advanced Nimitz-class aircraft 

carriers in service and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense 

for an additional 25 years. 

USS Zumwalt Underway for Sea Trials

 

The future guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) departs the Bath Iron Works shipyard for its second at-sea period to conduct builder's trials during which many of the ship's key systems and technologies will be demonstrated. In addition to systems testing, the Navy-Industry team will be conducting numerous operational demonstrations in preparation for acceptance trials in April. DDG 1000 is the lead ship of the Zumwalt-class destroyers, a class of next-generation multi-mission surface combatants tailored for land attack and littoral dominance with capabilities that defeat current and projected threats. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

 

Theodore Roosevelt Returns to Norfolk as a Ready for Tasking Carrier

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to its homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 29, after conducting Sea Trials following an extensive four-year refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).

Sea Trials are a multi-day underway period to test the carrier's systems and overall mission readiness. Theodore Roosevelt conducted Sea Trials after departing from Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) shipyard at Newport News, Va.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of this ship and crew," TR's commanding officer Capt. Daniel Grieco told the crew. "You've done a fantastic job putting the ship through her paces, testing every system and ensuring TR is a ready for tasking aircraft carrier and asset to Naval aviation. Enjoy the holiday weekend, then come back rested and ready to show the fleet that the 'Big Stick' is back and ready to be the pride of the fleet."

Throughout the ship, Sailors were excited to have their ship become operational, as some have spent most of their time aboard while in the shipyard.

"Heading to Norfolk means that we are going to be underway a lot, which is fun for me because I am in the Navy, and this is what I like to do," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd class Anna T. Brightwell.

Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth aircraft carrier to have successfully completed 25 years of service and to undergo RCOH. Next, TR begins focusing on additional training and certifications to once again become deployment ready.

GW Kicks Off Sea Trials

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaitlyn R. Breitkreutz, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, May 12 to conduct sea trials in preparation for the ship's next patrol.

George Washington sailed from its Truman Bay pier into open waters to begin a certification process that will ensure the ship, its equipment and crew are ready for extended periods at sea.

"We're ready to execute sea trials," said Capt. David A. Lausman, George Washington's commanding officer. "This is an all hands evolution and we have the most professional Sailors who thrive on 'by the book with the book open' operations. They will execute the mission meticulously."

After working alongside craftsmen from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Ship Repair Facility Yokosuka to complete routine maintenance to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, Sailors will now put the ship through a series of tests before going underway.

"This is an exciting day," said Cmdr. Wes McCall, George Washington's navigator. "It's been six months since we were last underway so it's great to be heading back out where we belong."

Before leaving port, crew members participated in two simulated days at sea to begin the testing period and to get in the right mind set for the anticipated patrol. In 2011, George Washington safely navigated 55,000 nautical miles across the western Pacific.

Sea trials will test every system, every procedure and every piece of equipment. Tests will include opening and closing hangar bay doors, raising and lowering aircraft elevators, testing internal and external communication systems, as well completing each department's unique check-off list to ensure mission readiness.

"This is an important time for us," said Chief Warrant Officer Chris Sullivan. "It's our time to prepare and make sure all our equipment is 100% ready to support the ship's mission."

George Washington's permanently-forward presence and mission enhances security and stability throughout the Western Pacific by working with our allies and regional partners on a wide range of issues and responding to any tasking across the operational spectrum as directed.

George Washington is the flagship of the George Washington Strike Group.

Seawolf Completes Sea Trials after Maintenance Period at PSNS

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The attack submarine USS Seawolf (SSN 21) returned to its homeport of Naval Base Kitsap April 3, after successful sea trials, capping a major maintenance period which lasted more than two years.

"Seawolf has worked hard to return to the fleet, and we are glad to be back at the tip of the spear," said Cmdr. Dan Packer, Seawolf's commanding officer.

For the past 31 months, Seawolf has been at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF), where it underwent a $280 million maintenance package as part of a Depot Modernization Period.

PSNS & IMF has handled all intermediate and depot-level maintenance for Seawolf-class submarines since 2008.

"The Seawolf Depot Modernization Period was very challenging for the shipyard, as this was a first-time major availability for this unique submarine," said Greg Wolfe, Seawolf's project superintendent. "An incredibly talented shipyard management team and seamless teamwork with the ship guaranteed our success through the maintenance period."

While underway for sea trials, Seawolf was put through her paces, testing all systems and verifying that the boat had been restored to full combat capability.

"The talent and professionalism this crew demonstrated in getting our ship underway is a testament to the hard work, training, and dedication of all hands during our maintenance period," Packer said.

Seawolf's next challenge includes a series of training and certification periods for improving the crew's warfighting readiness.

"This crew is confident in their abilities and in the quality work Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the Seawolf project management team accomplished over the last two years," Packer said. "We are ecstatic to be at sea again, and Seawolf is even more capable and effective than at any time in her 15 years of service."

Seawolf and the other two submarines in her class - USS Connecticut (SSN 22), also based in Bremerton, and USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor - are the fastest, quietest, deepest diving, and most heavily armed fast attack submarines in the fleet.

USS Nimitz Completes Sea Trials

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Patton, USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

SAN DIEGO – (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) successfully completed sea trials July 2.

Nimitz departed Naval Base Coronado June 29 for the first time in three months to test and evaluate Nimitz' main engines along with other equipment after conducting a 30-day Carrier Incremental Availability.

"These guys have done a tremendous job," said Capt. Paul Monger, Nimitz' commanding officer. "It's very impressive to see a group have a long layoff yet still be able to get right back in that operational mindset."

One example was Engineering department's push to ensure their equipment was fully operational. The department ran tests on aircraft elevators, doors and catapults.

"It went smooth," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) John Welch, leading chief petty officer of Engineering A-Division. "The 30 percent turnover in personnel didn't affect anything."

Some evolutions, like the high-speed power turns, involved many different departments and impacted them differently.

"For us, the main concern was shaking off the dust after a three month layoff making sure we had the same skill sets in place," said Master Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Robert Barber, leading chief petty officer of Navigation. "It had been 11 months since we last pulled out of San Diego, so the expectation was that we'd be rusty. But everything went smoothly."

Nimitz also successfully tested its aqueous film forming form (AFFF) system on the flight deck and the hangar bay. The objective was to ensure all the AFFF sprinklers were working and covering their assigned areas.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Nimitz Gets Underway for Sea Trials

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed from her homeport of Naval Base Coronado to perform sea trials June 30.

Sea trials assess the ship's readiness and capability following a 30-day carrier incremental availability (CIA) conducted when the ship returned from an extended deployment.

"We have accomplished some high quality maintenance on critical equipment and systems during this availability," said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz commanding officer. "For the next few days we get to validate that work by putting the ship through its paces."

During sea trials, Nimitz Sailors will test the ship's main engines and the aqueous foam forming film (AFFF) system. There will also be ship-wide training to ensure equipment and systems continue to be operated properly.

According to Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Juan Finch, sea trials is a good opportunity to see if anything needs to be fixed before returning to a fully-operational status. "You wouldn't buy a used car without test driving it," he said.

As the ship conducts main engine tests, Air Department Sailors will also test one of the hangar bay's main AFFF firefighting systems.

"We're testing out the AFFF system to see if it's working properly while we're out here in case of a fire," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Rilwan Omisola.

"Sea trials offer a good chance for new people on Nimitz to experience life at-sea," Finch said.

"This is what the Navy is about. Going out to sea and doing your job," Finch said.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Ronald Reagan Ready for Sea After Successful Sea Trials

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Torrey W. Lee, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) pulled into Naval Air Station North Island May 19 after a successful two-day sea trial, which marked the official end to its six-month planned incremental availability (PIA) period.

The sea trial was the final phase of PIA and was conducted to assess the material readiness and ability for the ship to return to the operational fleet.

Ronald Reagan's executive officer, Capt. Ronald Ravelo attributed the success of Ronald Reagan's PIA to the tremendous teamwork between the ship's crew and shipyard workers from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Northrop-Grumman's Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and Southwest Regional Maintenance Command.

"This is where a warship should be," said Ravelo. "I was walking around the ship and as we made it to deep water I could feel that energy in the crew."

During the maintenance period, Ronald Reagan received technological upgrades that will prepare it for its next deployment and beyond. Refurbishments ranged from hi-tech combat systems to firefighting equipment. The crew also benefited, receiving living spaces and improved ship's laundry services, to list a few.

"With the modernization we're now going through I think it serves as a preparation," said Ravelo. "The challenges out there in the real world are becoming a lot more complex. By investing the time and money into these carriers and upgrading the systems, it better prepares us to tackle all of those challenges."

Ronald Reagan's PIA began last fall, on the heels of the ship's fourth deployment in four years. The PIA was the ship's second, the first coming in 2007. With most of the crew involved in that maintenance period transferred, going from an operational carrier to a shipyard environment was difficult at first.

"Initially it was tough," said Ravelo. "After that initial shockwave once we got into the groove I think everyone worked really well together. Again, teamwork was the key."

USS Ronald Reagan Underway for Sea Trials

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed Naval Air Station North Island for sea trials May 18.

The event marks the first time that Ronald Reagan has been underway since Oct. 21, 2009, when it completed its fourth deployment in four years. The three-time Battle "E" award-winning carrier is concluding a six-month planned incremental availability (PIA), a scheduled maintenance period designed to upgrade ship's systems and quality of life for its Sailors. Sea trials allow these systems to be tested and necessary quality checks to be performed.

Upon successful completion of sea trials, Ronald Reagan's PIA will officially conclude and the ship will rejoin the operational fleet.

GW Starts Sea Trials, Completes SRA

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, May 11 to conduct sea trials in preparation for the ship's upcoming summer deployment.

GW steamed from its Truman Bay pier into open waters to begin a certification process that will ensure the ship, its equipment and crew are ready for extended periods at sea.

As the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, GW gets roughly half the time of other ships to test its integrity, radars, communications, and engines.

"Typically, aircraft carriers conduct work-ups for 6 months to complete extensive operational tests prior to deployment, but since we are a part of the permanently Forward-Deployed Naval Forces, we have to be ready in a shorter period of time because we are the first carrier to respond to a crisis in 7th Fleet," said Cmdr. Pete Mantz, GW navigator.

"We have a very hectic and aggressive schedule in front of us," added Mantz, who said sea trials started as soon as the ship pulled in all lines.

"One of the basic things we must accomplish is getting away from the pier and navigating through the channel," he said. "After that, we can get to sea and focus on testing other areas."

Getting GW ready for its short shakedown cruise was the culmination of a four-month Selective Restricted Availability (SRA) performed by the ship's 3,000 Sailors, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard workers, and Japanese shipyard workers from Sumitomo Heavy Industries and the Ship's Repair Facility at Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

During this time, multiple repairs and upgrades were made to operational systems and GW's 3,360 spaces. Specific repairs included upgrades, corrective and preventative maintenance to air-conditioning units, fire fighting systems, aircraft elevators, navigation systems, and crew habitability spaces.

The renovations improved the crew's quality of life through the complete overhaul of six living quarters, called berthings.

"We take habitability issues seriously because having a better place to live boosts crew morale for obvious reasons," said Master Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Daniel Buschemi, who oversaw the revamping of berthings that still had the Nimitz-class carriers' original 1960s design.

"I served on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the '80s and walking into some of our berthings was like going back in time," said the 30-year Sailor Buschemi. "It was nice to give our people redesigned berthings with new bunks, lockers and decks."

GW's 1,092-foot flight deck also received a makeover during the SRA. The abrasive non-skid coating found on the entire surface of the flight deck and hangar bay saw extensive repair as large areas were completely chipped off and replaced to provide a functional area to launch and recover aircraft.

"We have anywhere between 7,000 to 8,000 [aircraft launch and recoveries] a year. The wear-and-tear of this requires us to redo the flight deck in port for safety reasons," said Cmdr. Stephen Blasch, GW's assistant air officer.

Blasch added two of the ship's aircraft catapults received complete overhauls, which also required removing them from the deck to clean their troughs.

"I'm extremely proud of our Sailors," said Blasch about the work done during the SRA. "They juggled a lot of balls between running drills and maintenance, but they came through and got us ready to head to sea."

Commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, GW is the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, which is commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan.

The strike group is also comprised of Destroyer Squadron 15, the guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63) and Carrier Air Wing 5.

Enterprise Completes Sea Trials, Rejoins the Fleet

By Ensign Michael Hatfield, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) completed sea trials April 19 after conducting intense testing of all major ship systems at sea.

The crew tested equipment, ran system checks and made certain that the nation's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and oldest active warship was ready to be redelivered to the fleet.

"The ship performed amazingly," said Capt. Ron Horton, Enterprise's current and longest-serving commanding officer. "She and the crew performed exceptionally well under rigorous testing including high speed turns and many drills. She's as capable as ever and only just begun to stretch her sea legs."

Although much of the younger crew members had never been underway before, the intense training completed during the Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability ensured they knew exactly what to do.

"This ship has an incredible track record of excellence," said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Dominic A. Musso. "The Enterprise is legendary, and the way the crew and the ship performed during sea trials demonstrates decidedly that the legend continues."

The crew hoisted a broom on the starboard halyard of the ship's mast to signify a "clean sweep," a longstanding tradition for ships which complete evaluations with excellence.

Enterprise is scheduled to begin its training cycle, which will culminate with the ship executing its 21st deployment. The aircraft carrier's first step is to pass flight deck certification so that an air wing can embark the ship and launch aircraft - the primary mission of all carriers.

"We have now shifted our focus from fixing the ship to combat presence which is our real job," said Cmdr. Edward Galvin, the ship's operations officer, as the ship departed for sea trials.

USS George H.W. Bush Departs for Sea Trials

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting sea trials. George H.W. Bush will return to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. to begin the workup cycle towards deployment after an extensive seven-month post shakedown availability and selective restrictive availability trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Winn/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan A. Bailey, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., for sea trials Jan. 27 after a seven-month maintenance period.

During Sea Trials, the ship's electronics, communication, navigation and other combat systems that were built or modified in the shipyard will be tested.

In addition, an inspection of the ship's catapults and jet blast deflectors will be conducted, as well as inspections of the ship's berthing spaces, demonstrations of search and rescue equipment firefighting capabilities, and an evaluation of food service facilities to determine the ship's overall mission readiness.

Bush's sea trials comes after a highly successful Post Shakedown Availability/Selective Restrictive Availability that officially completed the construction of the Navy's newest aircraft carrier.

"In just seven months, the ship experienced an amount of depot and intermediate level work comparable to an 11-month planned incremental availability," said Bush's Chief Engineer, Cmdr. Shannon Terhune.

Work on the ship over the last seven months included finishing the airwing spaces and combat systems suite, implementation of ship alterations to get the ship on the class maintenance plan, and the completion of the ship's force work package.

Ship's force work saved the Navy more than half a million dollars, according to Bush Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) Al Fuller, and more than 60 percent of the overall ship's force work package fell to Engineering Department Sailors to complete.

One major undertaking was completed by Damage Control division, who exhausted more than 6,800 man hours upgrading the ship's 10 damage control repair stations and 27 damage control unit lockers, saving the Navy more than $680,000.

Another upgrade included Electric division converting the carrier's "77" island lights from incandescent bulbs to light emitting diode, saving the Navy 90 percent of the cost associated with light operation. Terhune credited the teamwork and cooperation between ship's force, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Program Manager for Ships (In-Service Aircraft Carriers), Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic (Maintenance and Material), Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair (Newport News), and more than 20 separate contractor organizations for an unprecedented level of efficiency in the execution of production work on the ship. He said the ship's crew appreciated the professionalism of all maintenance providers.

Upon completion of sea trials, Bush will return to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., to begin the work-up cycle towards deployment and prepare for sustained flight operations at sea.

Lincoln Underway for Sea Trials

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departed Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton, Wash., for sea trials after an intensive nine-month maintenance period Jan. 13.

The underway period for sea trials and other testing and training is expected to last approximately five days, ending in the successful completion of the ship's planned incremental availability at PSNS.

Once sea trials are complete, Lincoln will return to its homeport of Everett, Wash., for further training and integration with the ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group 9.

"Sea trials are a culmination of a year's worth of diligent planning and hard work," said Lincoln's Commanding Officer, Capt. Patrick D. Hall. "Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Naval Air Forces, and the Lincoln crew really came together as a team to make this a successful maintenance period."

The more than 90 checks and exercises planned for sea trials include a ship-wide Navy Occupational Safety And Health inspection and review of the ship's asbestos control program.

An inspection of the ship's catapults and jet blast deflectors will be conducted, as well as inspections of the ship's berthings, operational checks of aviation fueling systems, and demonstrations of search and rescue equipment.

Firefighting capabilities, food service facilities, communication, radar, and navigation equipment will also be evaluated to determine the ship's mission readiness.

"I'm extremely proud of what this crew has accomplished over the past year," said Hall. "Lincoln is ready to become operational, execute our nation's maritime strategy and rejoin the fleet as a global force for good."

LCS 2 Completes Acceptance Trials

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The future USS Independence (LCS 2) successfully completed acceptance trials this week, after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).

Acceptance Trials are the first opportunity for INSURV to test the ship and its systems.

During two days underway, the ship completed demonstrations of the combat systems suite, steering, anchoring and propulsion. The ship achieved a top speed of almost 45 knots during the full power demonstration.

"Independence performed extremely well during trials," said Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program Manager Rear Adm. James Murdoch. "LCS 2 conducted two outstanding days at sea. We look forward to delivering this critical asset to the fleet."

The ship was presented to INSURV with high levels of completion in production and test. The official results of the trials, including the type and number of trial cards, are currently being reviewed by the Navy.

Members of the LCS 2 pre-commissioning unit were on board Independence during trials to see how their future ship will perform.

"It's going to change the way we do things, particularly in the surface force," said Cmdr. Curt Renshaw, Independence Blue Crew commanding officer. "This ship allows us the flexibility to complement almost all the pillars of the Maritime Strategy."

"This is a significant milestone for the surface warfare community and the Navy at large - the impact that Freedom and Independence will have on the fleet will be immediate. We are another step closer to having this important capability as part of the surface force, and I applaud the team effort - Sailor, civilian and contractor - that went into making this happen," said Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, commander, Naval Surface Forces.

Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy. Ship delivery is expected to occur next month, with the ship's commissioning Jan. 16 in Mobile, Ala.

PCU Independence LCS-2 Conducting Gulf of Mexico Sea Trials

Here is a heads up for my radio friends down in Mobile AL.

The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Independence (LCS 2), the U. S. Navy's first trimaran littoral combat ship, departs Mobile, Ala. to begin builder's sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico July 2, 2009. LCS is a fast, agile, focused-mission ship designed to defeat asymmetric "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The 417-foot Independence is designed and built by the General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship team. Builder's trials test the vessel's propulsion, communications, navigation and core mission systems, as well as all related support systems. Following the completion of builder's trials, Independence will prepare for acceptance trials that will be conducted by the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey later this summer. Independence will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called mission packages, which can be changed out quickly. These mission packages focus on three mission areas: mine counter measures, surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. Independence is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy later this year and will be home ported in San Diego, Calif. (Photo courtesy of General Dynamics/Released)

Navy's Newest Carrier Successfully Completes Acceptance Sea Trials

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) successfully completed acceptance sea trials April 7-9 off the Virginia Capes and is in final preparation for delivery. Acceptance sea trials are the final test of the ship's readiness to begin fleet service.

Navy representatives from the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey tested and evaluated the ship's systems and performance. Acceptance trials will formally conclude April 10.

George H.W. Bush is the nation's 10th, and final, Nimitz-class carrier. The ship is designed to carry all current and future aircraft in its embarked air wing until the completion of her service life in approximately 2,059.

George H. W. Bush incorporates numerous design improvements to reduce operating cost, enhance operational effectiveness and protect the environment. These include newly designed propellers, a new underwater hull-coating system, advanced waste disposal systems, a new JP-5 (jet propellant) distribution system, and modernized aircraft launch and recovery equipment. Improved medical and dental facilities have been included in the ship to enhance quality of life. George H.W. Bush also has a new composite mast that reduces topside weight and maintenance.

George H.W. Bush incorporates a modernized island, bulbous bow design and three-wire arresting gear configuration, first introduced on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

The ship's keel was laid Sept. 6, 2003, at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. Ms. Dorothy Bush Koch, daughter of former President George H.W. Bush, served as the ship's sponsor during its christening on Oct. 7, 2006. The ship was commissioned Jan. 10, 2009, at Norfolk Naval Base. USS George H.W. Bush is commanded by Capt. DeWolfe H. Miller III, USN. Upon delivery to the Navy, the ship will conduct post delivery maintenance before commencing training for operational deployment in 2010.

USS George H.W. Bush Completes Builder's Trials

A rainbow appears on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) as Sailors perform the ship's first aqueous film forming foam wash-down. George H.W. Bush is conducting builder's sea trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Tackitt/Released)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's newest aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) returned to Norfolk Naval Base Feb. 16 following the completion of builder's sea trials that began Feb. 13.

During builder's trials the ship's crew conducted high-speed maneuvers, systems checks and other tests that are key to the ship's systems.

Following builder's sea trials, the Navy will commence acceptance sea trials, conducted by representatives of the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey, to test and evaluate the ship's systems and performance. Upon completion of acceptance sea trials, the ship will be formally delivered to the Navy. George H.W. Bush is scheduled to begin operational training later in 2009 with her first operational deployment in 2010.

George H.W. Bush is the 10th and final ship of the Nimitz class and incorporates major improvements from her predecessors, including a composite mast, new JP-5 fueling system, a bulbous bow, redesigned island, and three wire arresting gear configuration introduced on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The carrier is powered by two nuclear reactors operable for more than 20 years before refueling, with an expected in-service life spanning about 50 years.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is commanded by Capt. Kevin O'Flaherty.

USS Bunker Hill Completes Sea Trials

USS BUNKER HILL, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) successfully completed sea trials Feb. 6 off the coast of San Diego to test and validate its recently installed combat systems.

Bunker Hill's crew successfully tested the ship's new Aegis Weapons System, the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) and SPQ-9B Radar. Successful firing of the Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) Block 1B and 5-inch/.62 caliber gun were also completed.

"These trials were a critical step in an extraordinarily complex modernization program." said Capt. Robin Russell, program manager of surface combatants program office in Naval Sea Systems Command's Surface Warfare Directorate (SEA 21). "Today, the Cruiser Modernization team, the ship's crew and our industry partners all demonstrated their commitment to bringing these advanced capabilities to the fleet."

Bunker Hill is the first guided-missile cruiser to receive a complete set of upgrades as part of the Navy's Cruiser Modernization program. Each of the Navy's 22 Ticonderoga-class cruisers are scheduled for modernization over the next 10 years.

A key feature of the ship's modernization is the installation of Aegis Open Architecture (AOA) to upgrade the Aegis Weapon System. The AOA upgrade provides the capacity for future combat system growth over the life of the class as well as mission expansion, such as ballistic missile defense.

Over the next several years, SEA 21 will manage this structured modernization program to ensure that these ships reach their expected 35-year service life which is vital for the Navy's goal of a 313-ship fleet.

Additional testing will occur over the next several months, and Bunker Hill is projected to rejoin the fleet in early fiscal year 2010.

SEA 21 manages the complete life-cycle support for all non-nuclear surface ships and is the principal interface with the Surface Warfare Enterprise.

The directorate is responsible for the maintenance and modernization of non-nuclear surface ships currently operating in the fleet. Through planned modernization and upgrade programs, SEA 21 will equip today's surface ships with the latest technologies and systems to keep them in the fleet though their service lives.

Additionally, SEA 21 oversees the ship inactivation process, including transfers or sales to friendly foreign navies, inactivation and or disposal.

USS George Washington Underway for Sea Trials

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tanner Lange, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) left Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Aug. 27 and headed for sea trials.

Sea trials, which are expected to be completed later this week, are traditionally the final hurdle for a shipyard maintenance availability and are designed to assess GW’s material readiness and ability to rejoin the fleet as a fully operational unit.

Once complete, GW will return to the U.S. 2nd Fleet to commence final operational preparations to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Japan in 2008. The $300 million, 11-month Planned Incremental Availability plus Docking is expected to be completed on time and within budget.

”Sea trials are really the culmination of a lot of hard work. Norfolk Naval Shipyard and GW Sailors really came together as a team to produce an outstanding availability,” said GW Commanding Officer, Capt. Dave Dykhoff.

The availability was specifically designed to prepare the ship to become the Navy’s forward deployed aircraft carrier with numerous system upgrades. One specific accomplishment included the removal and replacement of the entire main mast and all associated radar and combat systems.

“The capstone mast upgrade improves the ship’s defensive capabilities and the reliability of associated systems,” said Combat Systems Officer, Cmdr. Mark Loose.

While the scheduled trials are expected to tax every Sailor and system on the ship to ensure full capability, the transition from shipyard to sea is a welcome one.

“Everyone involved is extremely proud to clear this hurdle and get these tests underway,” said Dykhoff. “Our transition to Japan is very important to our nation’s security, and we have worked very hard to keep that transition on track.”