Pearl Harbor Shipyard Completes USS Chafee Availability

By Katie Vanes, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) completed USS Chafee's (DDG 90) 14-week selected restricted availability (SRA) $200,000 under budget Dec. 3., returning the ship to the fleet as scheduled.

The SRA upgraded the ship's multifunctional towed sonar array, replaced a gas turbine engine, refurbished an anti-missile defense system and tested a cargo handling system.

"These work items were instrumental in Chafee's ability to be a part of the dominant, ready naval force that supports the nation's Maritime Strategy," said Cmdr. Chase Patrick, Chafee's commanding officer.

Eight contractors and 10 alteration installation teams (AITs) supported the SRA under a public-private partnership of maintenance services, giving the shipyard added flexibility to respond to surges in workload. Government or contractor teams comprise AITs and specialize in a particular maintenance job for increased efficiency. Significant contracted repairs included hatch refurbishment, maintenance on the helicopter recovery and traversing system and tank assessments.

The PHNSY and IMF sail loft fabricated safety nets on the helicopter and flight decks, the Ammunition Shop repaired the ship's 5 inch MK 45 gun and the Painting and Sandblasting Shop conducted corrosion control.

"Once again, the keys for a successful availability were the three "C's" - coordination, cooperation and communication," said Nelson Viernes, project manager for Chafee's SRA. "The alteration installation teams, prime contractor and subcontractors completed all the work assigned within the chief of naval operations' availability and cost was held within the given budget."

PHNSY and IMF is a full-service naval shipyard and regional maintenance center for the Navy's surface ships and submarines and is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command.