CVN 72 begins steam system tests

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has reintroduced steam to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) aircraft carrier to allow final testing of its steam-powered systems to begin, the company announced on 27 August.

The carrier is currently moored at the division's facility and is in the last stages of a mid-life refuelling and complex overhaul (RCOH). Testing of the steam-powered systems on board have begun, including the electrical generators and main engine complex.

The RCOH of the USS Abraham Lincoln began in March 2013, with the complete process taking around 44 months. The ship is scheduled to return to the US Navy fleet in 2016. Once the RCOH is complete, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will be equipped to operate for the second half of its 50-year expected service life.

Chris Miner, vice president of in-service aircraft carrier programs, Newport News Shipbuilding, said: 'As steam is reintroduced into Lincoln's piping systems and equipment is operated, the ship is truly coming back to life. Once the work and final testing, including sea trials, is complete, Lincoln will be redelivered to the navy as one of the most technologically advanced Nimitz-class carriers in the fleet.'

Capt Ronald Ravelo, commanding officer, USS Abraham Lincoln, said: 'We achieved another major milestone recently by establishing shore-steaming capabilities, thanks to my counterparts at Newport News Shipbuilding, but also to the men and women serving aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and many others who all played an important role in accomplishing this feat.'