Supercarrier USS Carl Vinson Readies for Missions as Overhaul Nears Completion

In this 2007 file photo, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the James River en route to a pier-side dock after completing an 18-month dry dock period at Northrop Grumman Newport News. Carl Vinson has been undergoing its scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. During RCOH Carl Vinson’s nuclear fuel will be replenished and the ship’s services and infrastructure will be upgraded to make her the most state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and prepare for another 25 years or more of service. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Myriam Padilla.)

Focus on Defense:

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 18, 2008 -- Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Air Department worked Dec. 13-14, to completed a new milestone for the V-4 division and transfer 750,000 gallons of JP-5 aviation fuel back aboard the ship.

The transfer marks the first time since the beginning of Carl Vinson's 40-month refueling complex overhaul that JP-5 has been stored on board.

"It was a divisional effort by everyone in our chain of command and it couldn't have been done without them," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 1st Class (AW/SW) James Hendershot, V-4 division leading petty officer.

The division conducted dry runs months ahead of schedule, finding the most efficient way to bring the fuel aboard and to its designated area.

"The plan went flawlessly, we went over it until it was perfected," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels)(AW/SW) Raymond J. Gray, V-4 squadron flight deck chief.

A robust fuel supply is vital to aircraft carrier operations. JP-5 is used to fuel various types of equipment aboard including aircraft, flight deck gear, and emergency generators.

With the fuel aboard, Carl Vinson is significantly closer to completing its overhaul process and becoming fully operational and combat ready.

"Without this fuel we can't launch aircraft, and if we can't launch aircraft, we can't fight," said Hendershot.

(Report by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Aaron Shelley, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs.)

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