May 2017 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 9. U S N N
Machinist’s Mate nuclear 2nd Class Nicholas Lewis, right, from the Los Angeles class-attack sub- marine USS Toledo (SSN 769), watches as Machinist’s Mate nuclear 2nd Class Cameron Sebastian tests a prototype submarine steam suit ensemble during an orientation class held at Naval Submarine Base New London. The Navy Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) via the Offi ce of Naval Research (ONR) TechSolutions Offi ce has funded the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) to develop the next generation of protective gear for emergency responders. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams/Released)
First, he put on boots and a set of fi refi ght- ers’ coveralls, followed by the air tank and breathing apparatus. Finally, he wriggled into a bulky, HAZMAT-style chemical suit. His time: more than double Lindner’s. “It was pretty dramatic seeing the
diff erences between the old and new steam suits-especially how they aff ect the speed getting into it, as well as mobility,” said Sebastian. Both men served on the Los Angeles
class-attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) - and were among Sailors attending a recent demonstration of the prototype steam suit at Naval Submarine Base New London. Sponsored by the Offi ce of Naval Research’s (ONR) TechSolutions Program, the new suit was developed by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF), and currently is being tested at sea by the Toledo’s crew. If pressurized steam lines aboard a
submarine rupture, they can leak steam at extremely high temperatures, potentially resulting in severe injury or death. To make emergency repairs or rescue crewmates, Sailors must wear protective suits. “In the unlikely event this piece of
damage control equipment is needed, time is of the essence to protect not only the individual, but the entire boat,” said ONR Command Master Chief Matt Matteson. “The new steam suit provides enhanced fl ex- ibility, maneuverability and ease of donning during such an emergency.” Although the current steam suits used
Navy-wide have performed well since being introduced a decade ago, NAVSEA regularly receives suggestions from Sailors on how to improve them - so the command
contacted TechSolutions about designing a better suit. TechSolutions is ONR’s rapid-re- sponse science and technology program that develops prototype technologies to address problems voiced by Sailors and Marines, usually within 12-18 months. With TechSolutions’ guidance, NAV-
SEA partnered with NCTRF to implement several key suit improvements. It’s one piece and nine pounds lighter-cutting don- ning time while still maintaining protective strength. The air tank and hose for the breathing apparatus are worn on the outside, instead of under a chemical suit, allowing better access to oxygen. And there are gel ice packs to keep cool. Then there’s the unique style of gloves.
While the current steam suit has mittens, the new prototype features “lobster claws” with thumbs and two fi ngers, making it easier to grasp tools, climb ladders and navigate the close confi nes of a submarine. They also have leathery fabric for wiping the face shield if steam fogs it up. For the next few months, the proto-
type suits will be tested during at-sea drills aboard the Toledo and two other submarines. Afterward, NAVSEA will make suggested improvements and hopefully, see the suit issued throughout the fl eet in the next couple of years. “Our goal was to create a lighter suit that
enables users to get around better, quicker and easier,” said Bob Bassett, NAVSEA’s branch head for in-service submarine propulsion and electrical systems. “It’s an all-around improved suit, and we can’t wait to get feedback from the Sailors after the trials.” Watch a video (LINK TO https://youtu. be/IzBC5LUHIvE) of the steam suit demon-
GROTON, Conn. (Oct. 8, 2010) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) transits the Thames River as it departs Naval Submarine Base New London for a six-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
stration. Warren Duffi e Jr. is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivered USS Providence (SSN 719) 23 days ahead of schedule
From Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard Public Aff airs
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD, Maine (NNS) -- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivered USS Providence (SSN 719) back to the Fleet 23 days ahead of schedule and on budget April 7.
USS Providence arrived at Portsmouth
Naval Shipyard Dec. 4, 2015, for a Pre-In- activation Restricted Availability (PIRA). The project team and ship’s crew worked seamlessly throughout the maintenance availability to meet the Naval Sea Systems Command’s mission priority of the on-time delivery of ships and submarines. “As a team, the shipyard with the cap-
tain and crew of Providence, focused on the positive plan forward,” said project superin- tendent, Mark Ayotte. “Together we reached our goal of getting the warfi ghter underway to do what they do best for the Navy and our country.” The project team and crew thrived in
an environment that promotes increased levels of collaboration, innovation and high velocity learning. Their teamwork coupled with the shipyard’s collective commitment to excellence ensured non-stop execution of work.
“Portsmouth is committed to safely de-
livering fi rst-time quality work, on time and on budget,” said shipyard commander, Navy Capt. Dave Hunt. “It is our commitment to safety and quality that enables us to deliver these submarines on or ahead of schedule and provide the combatant commanders with the assets they need, when they are needed.”
Tiny Barge Transport, Inc.
Making affordable delivery & pick-ups to/from Muscongus Bay area and beyond. If it fits...we can deliver it to your island. Up to 16,000 lbs.
4 x 4 Forklift Service. (207) 380-0006
www.tinybargetransport.com Friendship, Maine
Providence’s PIRA was approximately
200,000 mandays of work scheduled for a 15.7 month time frame. The project team and crew completed the complex work package more than three weeks ahead of schedule. The on-time completion of submarine
availabilities is critical in the maintenance of today’s fl eet and is essential to maintaining maritime superiority and expanding the ad- vantage. PNSY, a fi eld activity of NAVSEA, is the Navy’s center of excellence for attack
Continued on Page 20.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
