Newport News Shipbuilding completes drydocking phase of USN aircraft carrier’s RCOH
The USS John C. Stennis leaves drydock after the first phase of her four-year RCOH at Newport News Shipbuilding (Source: NNS)
US east coast shipbuilder and repairer Newport News Shipbuilding has successfully completed the drydocking portion of the four-year RCOH (Refuelling and Complex Overhaul) of the US Navy’s Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
Work on the 103,300-ton displacement carrier, commissioned in December 1995, started on May 6th 2021, with the RCOH expected to be completed by late 2025. USS John C. Stennis left drydock in Virginia during the first week of April and is now alongside an outfitting pier for the second half of her RCOH.
During the carrier’s drydocking phase, the vessel received significant upgrades and began an extensive overhaul process both inside and outside the ship. In addition to defuelling and refuelling its nuclear power plant (the vessel has an unlimited range for 25 years and a top speed in excess of 30 knots), the shipyard preserved tanks and replaced thousands of valves, pumps and piping components.
On the outside of the carrier, shipyard workers performed major structural upgrades to the island mast and antenna tower, upgraded all aircraft launch and recovery equipment, painted the ship’s hull, including sea-chests and freeboard, restored the four propeller shafts and fitted refurbished propellers and rudders.
During the next phase of the carrier’s RCOH, Newport News Shipbuilding will complete the overhaul and installation of the vessel’s major components and test its electronics, combat and propulsion systems. This period will also focus on improving the ship’s accommodation areas, living spaces, including galleys and mess decks.
A US Navy’s aircraft carriers RCOH is in fact a mid-life upgrade, which involves refuelling, overhauls and upgrades of the vessel that produces a recapitalised carrier capable of supporting current and future USN requirements. The work currently underway at Newport News Shipbuilding will ensure at least another 25 years of service life for the vessel.
USS John C. Stennis is powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors, which power four steam turbines, driving four shafts.
