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April 10, 2009

By Matthew Jones
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 10, 2009

ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

Viewed from a tugboat bobbing in the Bay, the George H.W. Bush loomed high above, projecting a demeanor that was equal parts "It's good to be king" and "Don't mess with me."

The last Nimitz-class aircraft carrier passed over the tunnel part of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel on Thursday morning during its return from acceptance trials, the last big hurdle before the Navy takes ownership.

Its victory lap did not go by unnoticed. "This is the fun part, to actually see it under way," said Dan Klemencic, construction supervisor on the Bush, who rode out on the tug to greet the carrier.

A shipyard executive did not release detailed results of the trials but said he's hopeful the Navy will take delivery within the next week or so, as planned.

Construction on the $6.3 billion ship began with its keel laying in 2003, at Northrop Grumman Newport News. The carrier was granted special commissioning status during its commissioning ceremony in January, and builder's trials followed a month later.

During builder's trials, shipyard crews took the carrier out and put it through its paces, testing all its systems, Klemencic said.

"You're basically trying to break anything if you can," he said.

The ship returned from those trials with a list of minor fixes. On Tuesday morning it left on acceptance trials for a similar set of tests, this time conducted under the eye of the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey, or INSURV. The ship was driven fast, thrown into reverse, turned hard left and right. Crews tested its catapults and combat systems.

"We feel very good. The fact that we're coming back on time speaks to a great accomplishment," said Matthew Mulherin, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, who was on board for the trials.

He said he's gotten daily briefings and has been working closely with the inspection staff on board, including Rear Adm. Raymond Klein, the INSURV president.

A full report is due today that will break down any issues in terms of priority and who does what, Mulherin said.

Major problems will be addressed right away. Minor ones will be handled either by the Bush's crew or during a post-shakedown availability at the shipyard this summer.

Once the Navy takes delivery of the ship, the next major step will be when the air wing comes aboard for a real-world test of the arresting gear - which rapidly decelerates aircraft as they land - and catapults.

Operational training is set for later this year. Operational deployment is expected to begin in 2010.

As the last of its class, the Bush will be followed by the Gerald R. Ford, the first of a class of supercarriers, which is scheduled for completion in 2015.

By 10 a.m. Thursday, the ride was ending as several tugs tucked the carrier into its spot at Norfolk Naval Station. Klemencic, a former machinist, watched from the deck of the tug.

"Having been on the builder's trials for the Nimitz, and getting to see the end of the line here.... It's kind of a neat moment."

Matthew Jones, (757) 446-2949, matthew.jones@pilotonline.com