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.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
Australian navy commissions two additional Austal-built patrol boats
Despite bolstering its patrol fleet with new Evolved Cape-class vessels, the Royal Australian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel programme remains mired in delays, indecision and criticism over underwhelming capabilities.
-
Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider
The glider, named SG-1 Fathom, has been designed to be scalable and affordable, and can be deployed for up to three months at a time, according to Helsing.
-
US Coast Guard faces the “greatest readiness challenge since World War II”, says Homeland Security Secretary
The service currently has diverse problems in its procurement programmes and capability gaps in its inventory, writes Shephard’s North America editor Flavia Camargos Pereira.
-
Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system
A total of 28 active surface ships will receive the upgrades to their weaponry to help them combat the growing threat from UAVs.
-
Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?
The White House and Congress have been increasing efforts to support the national maritime industry.
-
Euroatlas brings Greyshark AUV to Asia for its maiden visit
Euroatlas displayed its Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle outside Europe for the first time, highlighting variant specifications and development progress at IMDEX 2025.