Volume 2, No. 1 / Spring 1996 TRF
Bangor Conducts Two Propeller Changeouts
The System Does Work
by Frank Buski

Recently the Diving Locker of Trident Refit Facility (TRF) Bangor, WA conducted two waterborne propeller changeouts in the early January-February time frame. One was on the USS California (CGN 36) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the other was on the USS Michigan (-SSBN 727) at TRF Bangor.

Once tasked with the USS California mission, Master Diver ENCS (MDV) Dan R. Briggs, knowing that he had limited waterborne propeller changeout expertise in his locker, knew that he had his work cut out for him. NAVSEA 00C5 (Underwater Ship Husbandry) was contacted for drawings and a procedure for accomplishing this task waterborne. Once satisfied that he was now on the right track, things started to come together. Knowing that NAV-SEA 00C5 would support the task with all required tools and equipment, and with the help and expertise of Mr. Robert Senyohl (Code 451 TRF Bangor), all required material support was either on order or in hand.

Several days before the job began, the NAVSEA 00C5 on-scene technical representative conducted training for all concerned with actual hands-on exercises. Much time was spent on familiarization with various tools and pieces of equipment. Everyone now seemed eager to get started with the task at hand. With the controlled work package (CWP) in hand, things got started on the USS California.

With the NAVSEA procedure incorporated into the CWP, Master Diver Briggs completed this waterborne propeller changeout without any deviation to the CWP. Much thought went into the entire planning evolution at TRF Bangor. Professionalism did prevail on the part of all concerned. Much credit is due the divers who in fact made it all work. A job well done.

Five days later, the second waterborne propeller changeout began on the Trident submarine USS Michigan at TRF Bangor. This was a first for TRF Bangor. Again incorporating the NAVSEA procedure into the CWP, with a minimum of training, work commenced on the USS Michigan. Now faced with adverse freezing weather conditions on the Hood Canal, this dedicated group of divers never stopped or gave up. Utilizing SIMA Everett, WA divers to keep things moving, again much pride and professionalism prevailed on the part of both Dive Lockers. Another job well done.

Planning played a large part in the success of both jobs from topside rigging to the various machine shops involved the CWP, plus the very high standards of professionalism of Master Diver Briggs. Enough cannot be said about the eagerness of all diving and support personnel of both TRF Bangor and SIMA Everett. It was a pleasure to be associated with this fine group of professionals.

The point being stressed here is that the system does work. Master Diver Briggs was assigned a task. Knowing that he would need more assets than he could furnish, he took the time to research all aspects. After identifying all requirements and requesting same through the proper channels, things fell into place. No stone was left unturned prior to the start of the job. Life can be made easier if you as a leader identify and use all the tools available to you. The system is there for the taking - use it!

Under the direction of CWO-3 Eric S. Beauchamp, SIMA Everett, eight divers and four support personnel participated along with fifteen divers and six support personnel under the direction of Master Diver Briggs of TRF Bangor. My congratulations to a group of professionals that acted in every manner as professionals.

Remember - the system does work and it's yours for the asking. Use it - it does work.

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