The U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class SSN has been declared ready for operational duties ahead of schedule after shakedown trials.
The service has opted to waive post-shakedown availability of USS Massachusetts, the 25th nuclear-powered Virginia-class vessel produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS).
She had just completed her shakedown cruise, an initial test trip where a brand-new submarine is pushed to its limits in open water to find any hidden mechanical bugs, design flaws, or equipment issues.
Usually this is followed by an availability period, a scheduled block of time back in a shipyard for repairs and maintenance, where any teething issues can be overcome.
However, instead of going back into dry dock to fix any minor flaws, and introduce final upgrades, USS Massachusetts, the seventh of ten Block IV boats, is instead being sent straight into active service with the fleet.
Submarine Programmes Director Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher said: “Waiving a submarine’s post-shakedown availability is an example of driving efficiency, innovation and speed in shipbuilding.
“While it is a calculated risk, we do it without ever compromising the safety of our sailors or the quality of our submarines.”
As per a U.S. Navy press statement, the option to waive thee availability period came as “a result of superb material condition and combat readiness.”
It noted: “This decision was made possible by the operational quality of the ship during trials and the urgency to deliver warfighting capability to the fleet.”
NNS delivered the ship to the Navy at the end of November last year after successful sea trials; months of shakedown operations followed before the submarine was commissioned in March this year in Boston Harbour.
- You can read more details on the U.S. Navy website
