Multi Agency Craft Conference Makes its Mark
With the the task of securing tens of thousands of miles of U.S. Coast, agencies at the federal, state and local levels are increasingly turning to high-performance boats. In turn, these buyers rely on premiere events such as the Multi Agency Craft Conference (MACC) to experience the latest tech first hand. In its seventh year, over 1,300 representatives convened for the 3-day event at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Norfolk, Va. where MACC provided an expansive venue for government and commercial marine companies alike. As the emphasis on littoral combat continues to permeate, decision makers gather to absorb invaluable information, including the latest technologies to equip the mission-minded modern fleet.
More Dredging for Intrepid
Photo credit: Jennifer Rabulan With the aid of Navy divers, dredging operations around the Intrepid began on Monday morning. The Navy’s efforts, costing about $3m, is targeted to pry the aircraft carrier’s propellers from the Hudson River mud and sediment. The Navy, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers, are dredging the mud under the stern of the 27,000-ton ship, hoping to ease the propellers to give way for an eventual tow. According to officials, the Navy bill is on top of a $60 million refit scheduled at Bayonne Drydock.
Mud Impedes Intrepid Tow
McAllister tugs, in addition to a Bouchard tug, helped to pull the Intrepid from pier 86. Despite the efforts of seven tugs with a combined hp of 30,000, the Intrepid, a 27,000 ton NYC landmark, still remains at pier 86 in the Hudson River. After a ceremony attended by elected officials and several dignitaries, the Intrepid was scheduled to be pulled from its berth at 9:15 on Monday morning by the Christine McAllister, the lead tug in the McAllister towing operation, and four assisting tractor tugs. The towing operation was scheduled to coincide with one of the highest tides of the year, hoping to add an additional clearance to pull the vessel from its berth.
