NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 12, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that its Newport News sector has successfully redelivered the world's first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), to the U.S. Navy after an Extended Drydock Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA). The redelivery took place May 7 after successful sea trials.
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"This accomplishment is the result of a lot of hard work by the shipbuilders of Northrop Grumman Newport News and by the Navy," said Bob Gunter, senior vice president, Aircraft Carrier Programs, Northrop Grumman Newport News. "We've pulled together as a team to get this ship back into the fleet where it will continue to protect and serve our nation."
Work during the EDSRA included routine dry dock work, tank blasting and coating, hull preservation, propulsion and ship system repairs and limited enhancements to various hull, mechanical and electrical systems.
The work took place at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va. Newport News coordinated this availability with Norfolk Naval Shipyard, which was responsible for a portion of the work performed.
"Everyone serving aboard Enterprise is thrilled to be back at sea," said Capt. Eric Neidlinger, Enterprise's commanding officer. "Sixteen months of long, hard work by the dedicated professionals of Northrop Grumman Newport News, Norfolk Naval Shipyard and ship's force personnel find Enterprise in her best condition in decades. Thanks to all those who put in the long hours during this shipyard period, Enterprise heads to sea ready to take its place at the vanguard of America's defense."
Enterprise was launched at Newport News in 1960 and has been defending the United States for more than 41 years. The ship and its battle group were most recently deployed in the Middle East as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Enterprise is 1,101 feet 2 inches with a flight deck width of 252 feet and a displacement of 89,600 tons. It can travel in excess of 30 knots.
Northrop Grumman Newport News, headquartered in Newport News, Va., is the nation's sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two companies capable of designing and building nuclear powered submarines. Newport News also provides after-market services for a wide array of naval and commercial vessels, and has the capability to design, build and maintain every class of ship in the U.S. Navy's fleet. The Newport News sector employs about 18,000 people.
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