Phoenix performs complicated task on carrier Eisenhower
Under the direction of the Naval Sea Systems Command, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, Phoenix International Holdings Inc. successfully executed a complex underwater operation: dry chamber propeller shaft flange inspections on the carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Phoenix said in a news release.
The project took place at both Naval Station Norfolk and Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Phoenix, which has a facility in Bayou Vista, mobilized Sept. 27. After the removal of fairing plates and fairwaters from all four shafts, divers welded rigging pad eyes onto the ship’s hull to facilitate the installation of custom-designed stern tube cofferdams.
These cofferdams measure up to 13 feet long, 12.5 feet wide and 11 feet tall, and weigh as much as 8,000 pounds. They were engineered by Phoenix to form a dry seal while allowing shaft rotation during the flange inspections.
In addition to the stern tube cofferdams, interchangeable intermediate strut habitat cofferdams were also deployed. Divers installed the cofferdams over the rotating coupling covers, which were then drained to create a dry working environment. The covers were removed and recovered to the pier for refurbishment.
Phoenix Level II NDT inspectors performed comprehensive evaluations of all shafting, flanges, bolts and nuts using the company’s dry and dry chamber methods: liquid penetrant testing; magnetic particle testing; and visual testing.
Following satisfactory inspection results, all components were cleaned using bristle blasters, painted, and reinstalled with preservatives.
In total, the Phoenix team logged 3,660 hours of bottom time and completed 187 linear feet of welds to support this essential inspection and maintenance effort.
Phoenix International Holdings, Inc. is an employee-owned, ISO 9001-2015 Management System certified marine services contractor specializing in manned and unmanned underwater solutions, design engineering, and project management services worldwide.
The company has a facility in Bayou Vista.