Underwater Replacement of #1 Shaft Stern Tube Bearing on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)

摘要

The Naval Sea Systems Command - Office of Director of Ocean Engineering, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (NAVSEA 00C) tasked Phoenix International Holdings, Inc. (Phoenix) with performing a waterborne replacement of the #1 shaft stern tube bearing on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). The project involved engineers developing a detailed underwater rigging plan that included designing large and "diver friendly" fixtures to cradle each half of the bearing (top and bottom) during replacement operations. Divers deployed to Norfolk and performed the bearing replacement in accordance with the rigging plan. This first ever CVN stern tube bearing replacement was completed in 21 days by a single dive team -within minimal impact to the ship's operational schedule. This project exemplifies the underwater repair services offered to the Fleet by NAVSEA OOC.