USS San Francisco Leaves Dry Dock

USS San Francisco (SSN 711) left dry dock Arco (ARDM 5) at Naval Base Point Loma, Nov. 1. 

The Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine pulled into dry dock June 30, for an extensive docking availability, the largest shipyard work period ever performed at Arco.

"This type of availability normally takes a little over nine months; however, team San Francisco, Arco, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard got the submarine in and out of dry dock in four months - a record," said Lt. Cmdr. Mack Schmidt, Arco's commanding officer. "The Arco's officers and crew performed exceptionally well, ensuring all docking-related key events were completed early, with zero incidents or accidents."

The crew that made up this dry docking evolution included Sailors from both San Francisco and Arco, as well as personnel from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

"I have been in the Navy 20 years and I have never come out of a dry dock early," said Lt. Eric Underwood, supply officer of San Francisco. "It was a great concerted effort between San Francisco, Arco, and the shipyard. By coming out of dry dock early we saved the government more than a million dollars."

In addition to providing the routine docking support, dry dock Arco was also tasked with painting San Francisco's hull and executing intensive crane operations in support of the availability.

"Everything went really smoothly and everyone worked very fast and efficiently," said Electronics Technician 1st Class Alpha Ramadan, assigned to San Francisco. "We are just glad to be back in the water; that is where we belong."

San Francisco now plans to focus on crew certifications and qualifications and their upcoming inspections in preparation for their next deployment.

"Both the docking and undocking evolution were executed very professionally," said Schmidt. "I am extremely proud of each and every crew member." 

(Navy Public Affairs)