Wed, Dec 14, 2005
Modifies Structure to Accommodate Ospreys
The amphibious assault ship USS
Kearsarge (LHD 3) is receiving structural and equipment upgrades to
become the first amphibious assault ship to accommodate the Marine
Corps’ MV-22 Osprey. The contract is part of an array of
maintenance and equipment upgrades being conducted during
Kearsarge’s shipyard period at BAE Systems Norfolk, Va.,
until late February.
“Kearsarge is the first ship to have modifications
performed for MV-22, and it’s one of the largest projects
we’re working on during the yard period,” said Lt. j.g.
John St. John, Kearsarge’s electronic maintenance officer.
“We’re fabricating work spaces and introducing new
equipment so we can accommodate this type of aircraft.”
The new workspaces, St. John explained, will be equipped with
work benches so Sailors and embarked Marines can maintain the
Ospreys and store its equipment.
“In one of the other spaces, there will be an MV-22 Tube
Bending Shop,” St. John added. “Here, Sailors and
Marines will utilize a titanium tube bending machine to fabricate
parts they’ll need for Ospreys.”
In addition to Osprey modifications, Kearsarge’s Rolling
Air Frame Missile (RAM) weapon system and Close-in Weapon System
(CIWS) will also receive upgrades. “We’re getting a RAM
MK 3 upgrade that will give us infrared missile
capabilities,” said St. John.
“Our CIWS (Close-In Weapons System) will also have
supporting rods, which will help hold its barrels steadier. These
upgrades will help give Kearsarge a better self-defense
capability.”
St. John added that other minor upgrades to the ship include a
safety rail modification for its SPN 43 radar, and an alignment for
its SPN 41 radar, as well as inspections to ship’s forward
and aft boilers. [ANN Thanks Journalist 1st Class (SW) Robert
Keilman, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs]
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