PNSY completes SSN 720 PIRA off-yard

AUGUST 16, 2013 — Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) has completed pre-inactivation restricted availability (PIRA) of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) on-time and under budget, NAVSEA announced Aug. 15.

US Navy photograph

PNSY conducted the Pittsburgh PIRA off-yard at Sub Base New London in Groton, Conn. which began Sept. 5, 2012.

Although PNSY routinely performs work off-yard, this was the first major Chief of Naval Operations availability of more than 100,000 man-days which PNSY executed outside of Kittery, Maine.

“Off-yard availabilities are unique and require an all-inclusive team mentality from planning to execution,” said Don Robinson, deputy project superintendent. “The can-do attitude of our entire team made small work of even first-time challenges throughout the execution period.”

The project team and crew’s combined pride and work ethic drove them to success as they met the overhaul’s key dates including undocking three days early – none of which would have been possible without the maintenance partnership with the Pittsburgh crew lead by commanding officer, Cmdr. William Solomon.

“Cmdr. Solomon and the crew of Pittsburgh were side-by-side with the shipyard in overcoming each and every obstacle,” said, Capt. James Kalowsky, PNSY operations officer. “They truly exemplified the ship’s motto and displayed a ‘heart of steel.'”

The on-time and on-budget completion of submarine availabilities is critical in the maintenance of today’s fleet and is essential to maintaining readiness.

“This shipyard has been providing for the defense of this country and maintaining the Navy for more than 200 years,” said Capt. William Greene, shipyard commander. “The platforms may have changed from sailing ships to nuclear-powered submarines but one thing that will always remain is the traditional Portsmouth quality work which continues to safely deliver excellence for the nation and the Navy.”