Theodore Roosevelt Moves to Shipyard

Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Lucas Friend and Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Derek Benedict stand watch with a .50-caliber machine gun aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during transit to Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is currently underway to Norfolk Naval Shipyard for Docked Planned Incremental Availability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman William Weinert

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) made a four-hour plus transit of the Elizabeth River in Hampton Roads on March 7, on her way to Norfolk Naval Ship Yard for a nine-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). The Navy’s fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will undergo more than 90 major modifications, including a JP-5 (fuel system) alteration and installation of a new electronic throttle system in the ship’s propulsion plants. The ship also will receive a rolling airframe missile modification for the Close-In Weapons System, and a local area network (LAN) system upgrade.

Roosevelt's maintenance manager, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Shea, said quality of life improvements, such as 10 new “millennium” restrooms and 12 refurbished restrooms, will help make shipboard life more comfortable for the crew. Some of the modifications began taking place prior to the ship’s arrival at the shipyard. “We planned on refurbishing the heads while we were in the yards, but we’re working ahead of schedule,” Shea said. “We want to accomplish as much as we can as soon as we can, and it looks like we’re off to a good start.” Shea also said more than 600 racks will be replaced and four berthing areas completely renovated. In all, Shea said more than 500,000 man hours will be spent upgrading and repairing the ship during the yard period.

During a general announcement to the crew March 6, Commanding Officer Capt. J. R. Haley said although productivity is important in this evolution, safety takes priority in all situations. He said the ship’s goal is to complete the progression efficiently, yet expeditiously.

By By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Matt Bullock, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs