Getting the ship ready for sea!!!

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ervin Taylor and Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Aldo Venegas work together to repair Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) station equipment aboard USS Bonhomme Richard LHD 6. The “Revolutionary Gator” is currently wrapping up a ten-month yard period. (US Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Marcus L. Stanley)

DVIDS - Images - USS Bonhomme Richard Completes Maintenance [Image 4 of 5]

DVIDS - Images - USS Bonhomme Richard Completes Maintenance [Image 4 of 5]

Capable and Motivated

By Ensign Annie Scroggs

Walking through the hangar bay of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) I pass dozens of Sailors mustered and standing by for any emergency that might arise as we charge the fire-main. The system has been dry for more than four months – drained to allow the necessary modifications to the ship while we are in dry-dock without worry of rupturing a pipe and flooding the ship with saltwater. Now it’s time to fill it back up and hope that it won’t leak. I notice the faces around me, waiting calmly. Whatever might happen, these Sailors are more than capable and motivated to respond to any situation immediately!

As the executive officer makes the announcement to start the process, I formulate my game plan. I can’t go to all my spaces at once nor is the fire-main in all of them. I decide to check the forward and aft shops to ensure everyone has left to go to their prospective watch stations. Starting in the fire pump room I find three of my Sailors methodically making notes of any potential problems in the space, paying special attention to the areas where contracted work had been completed. Suddenly, the Damage Control Assistant (DCA) announces we are charging the fire-main in this area of the ship. I wait in anticipation, but, as I glance at my Sailors I am sure they have this space under control; they are capable and motivated to ensure it is perfect.

Moving along, over the next five hours… I am roving the reefer decks, stern gate machinery rooms, forward and aft diesel, port and starboard after steering, compressor rooms, and aircraft machinery spaces and then back to them all again… circling continuously. I pause when I hear, “This is DCA from damage control central with a fire-main restoration update: Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 complete.”

I look around at my Sailors’ as they nod, smile and continue with the days work. We have just taken the first step to putting the best warship on the waterfront back together. This is the beginning of many accomplishments to come. As the cold saltwater moves through the ships veins I realize, “This is how it’s done!” Section by section, system by system, piece by piece we will put this ship back together and continue to strengthen our team as the crew of USS Bonhomme Richard: Capable and motivated!

FROM THE CAPTAIN’S CHAIR

Revolutionary Gators, Family and Friends,

We are a bit past halfway through our planned maintenance period and things couldn’t be going better!  A brief update on our progress so far:

-      Our engineering work and modernization is moving ahead well and the painting of our island is complete.  Slowly but surely BHR is coming back to life and looking better than ever.

-      The “Tiger Teams” of BHR Sailors doing lagging, painting, decks, and berthing are doing a marvelous job renovating spaces all over the ship.  I am amazed at the quality of their work.

-      We are prepping for our return to the water as preservation and painting of the hull, installation of valves and our shafts, screws and rudders continue.  A few more sections of paint and the exterior will resemble that of the day she was launched.  We expect to be waterborne again in mid-April. 

-      A few things remain for us to accomplish upon our return to pier 13.  Installing our new computer network, finishing our MV-22 Osprey modifications and first stage of modifications to support the Joint Strike Fighter, applying new non-skid to the flight deck and a few major and minor tasks will be completed at the pier. 

As of now, we are moving a little ahead of schedule due to the diligent efforts of all onboard and their continued dedication to excellence and real pride of ownership.  Very groovy and very inspiring!   I am proud to serve with them.

Our immediate challenges lie ahead in completing our undocking in mid-April, preparations for our engineering light-off assessment, our combat systems light-off and returning to at-sea operational condition.  We expect to begin a few brief underway periods in July and August with the first being our Sea Trials in mid-July. 

Through all of this work, I cannot praise enough the actions, responsibility and attentiveness of your Sailors and Marines.  Though we are in the yards, we’ve managed to maintain a work schedule that maximizes our down time while achieving our goals.  Through activities such as the Gator cup, our various multicultural celebrations and plenty of time to spend in port with family and friends, we are, I feel, closer as a crew and a command as a whole.  Our efforts continue to set the pace on the waterfront and our actions, on and off duty, an example for others to follow. 

As we progress through the end of our DPMA period, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your efforts in accomplishing such an extensive overhaul.  We must continue to be vigilant, keep safety in our minds first and foremost and see the job through to completion.  I have no doubt we will emerge from this experience with Bonhomme Richard the pride of the waterfront and a truly Revolutionary Gator. 

Capt. J. Harnden

Commanding Officer

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

The other side of dry-dock...

When a ship is in dry-dock-- like USS Bonhomme Richard is right now--there are portions of the crew who are not as busy as they normally would be when the ship is operational.  The chain of command will often send Sailors for training or to help out other commands during this time.  Some Sailors are tapped to go support other missions within the Navy, augmenting missions around the world wherever the need may be. 

A few of those Sailors are in the Philippine Islands right now and have been sending occasional updates on how they are doing.  Here is the latest...

From LT Iliff:

I just wanted to give you a quick update on how your BHR sailors are doing in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

LTjg Turner:  Jack completed a successful tour as the TF-Archipelago Operations Officer and has redeployed back to the BHR.  A huge job, Jack directed Operations for an organization comprised of personnel from Seal Team 1, SBT-20, 3rd Mar Div, and MARSOC.  

LS1 Nonan:  Since the last update LS1 Nonan has moved from managing the warehouse in Zamboanga to managing the warehouse and transportation in Manila.  This is a great deal for LS1 Nonan, he gets to live on the economy in Manila while also getting to diversify his IA experience.  He has actually taken on much more responsibility than he had in Zamboanga.  He is still under the J4 however he directly supports the Manila Coordination Element (MCE) with moving PAX in and out of country and ensuring shipments coming to Zamboanga move out of customs and down to the JOA.  LS1 Nonan leaves in 1 month and we look forward to getting LS1 Noblejas from the BHR.

RP2 Price:  Since the last update Chaplain Chelf departed without a relief onboard.  RP2 Price was the acting Chaplain for approximately 2 months.  In this role RP2 Price successfully set up trips to give food and gifts to the local battered women's shelter and the local orphanage.  He also played on the winning basketball team for the Camp Navarro rec league and every Saturday night runs the popcorn and movie at Peter's Place (outdoor bamboo hut on Camp Navarro).

LT Iliff:  I have been extremely busy since 1 Jan.  As soon as the holidays were over we had a big [Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority] RIP/TOA for the Army Special Forces.  We are currently planning for the next big RIP/TOA for the Navy Special Forces unit.  The Pizza for Patriots Super Bowl Party went very well.  I currently have a lot of small projects going on such as developing a comprehensive spend plan for the command, adding soft serve ice cream and soda fountain machines to the DFAC, adding contracting responsibilities for MKV mini availabilities (I have been meeting with local contractors and ship yards in Subic Bay and Cebu),  labeling all JSOT-P generators at the outstations, and helping out with the electrical assessment at the outstations so that we can better utilize our generators JOA wide. 

I hope all is going well on the BHR.  I look forward to coming back to San Diego.  It looks like my relief will be here the first or second week of May.  If everything goes according to plan I will be back on Friday, 20 May.  Thanks!

V/r,

Ian G. Iliff
LT,   SC,   USN
Logistics Planner
Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines

BHR sunset with rolling clouds...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQdwiCm1h2k

Perhaps for our next Yard Period ...

While those of us here in the yards get upgraded to the latest of what the Navy has to offer today, this link has something that our future Sailors may be upgraded to in one of their yard periods.  It's wonderful to see research with so many applications being done by our Navy. 

Sounds of the shipyard

Hello, it's been a while.  As BHR continues it's maintenance period in the yard, it occurred to me the other day what a plethora of sounds exists in our current environment.  A trip from the gate to the ship, a distance of about 500 yards, varies from quiet tranquility to the deafening noise of metal grinding or compressed air being released.  Experience it for yourself.
Posted by MC1(SW) Kurt Riggs, BHR Public Affairs

Dry-dock view of the Coronado Bridge

After I finished my 1600-2000 (4-8 pm) Officer of the Deck Watch on the quarterdeck of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) I stopped on the top of the NASSCO dry-dock and took this shot of the Coronado Bridge.  I converted to black and white afterward.  This is a 20 second exposure with a 400 ISO.

 

Cheers!
MCC Joe Kane

What a Sailor Sees...

Some photos from the past few weeks here: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=155997891119481&saved#!/video/video.php?v=155997891119481&oid=66235165521&comments

Dry-dock FAQs...

I know there are a ton of questions out there about what it means to put a ship through dry-dock.  I get them on Facebook and also through email and even in person... so, in order to address some of those questions my crack media team (actually it was MC3 Katherine Barkley) has compiled a short list of some frequently asked questions.   Send more... we'll get you an answer!

Cheers,
MCC Joe Kane

FAQ’s about USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Dry Dock Period Maintenance Availability 

Compiled by MC3 K Barkley

What are some changes/upgrades BHR will have during the DPMA?

a.       Updates to the flight deck to accommodate the new MV-22 Osprey and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft

b.      Computer Network upgrades and divisions will receive new/updated computers equipment

c.       The hull preservation -- ship will receive 5-6 coats of paint (about 200,000 gallons!)

d.      Navigation System upgrades and additional internal system upgrades       

2)      How long will BHR be “in the yards”? Approximately 9 months total time, including the dry-dock at NASSCO from Dec. 2010-April 2011

3)       What is the working environment like for BHR Sailors? It is an industrial construction type environment and Sailors must wear personal protection equipment (PPE) at all times in the shipyard and while on the ship. Sailors must maintain 360-degree awareness for shipyard hazards.

4)      How much will dry-dock upgrades cost? Approx. $100 million

5)      Why is USS Bonhomme Richard dry-docked, why do ships have to go through dry-dock?

The dry-docking process is necessary because all ships must undergo periodic maintenance that cannot be performed while at-sea, such as hull preservation. These repairs are necessary to keep U.S. Navy ships in top shape to support any maritime strategy or presence they may called upon to undertake.

     

If you have questions about BHR post them here or email PAO@lhd6.navy.mil

Drydock Diaries -- Weather and Work

For all of you who think San Diego is all fun in the sun, check out this CNN story regarding the weather this week.  It's miserable out there.  I don't know how much rain fell during the night, but it's still coming down and with no relief in sight.

For our watchstanders, particularly up on the flight deck, wet weather gear is the order of the day, and while it's not cold, it certainly is not the best of days to be on duty up there.  They are earning their pay today.

Drydock activity continues, with the ship in more of a state of disarray now than ever before, however, work moves along.  Hull blasting is scheduled to start tomorrow and then, after the holidays, real nitty gritty work begins.  We have a long way to go before April when our drydock period ends, but we'll make it.

(For photos of dry-dock -- and this wild weather -- go here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150113203875522&set=a.10150101704820522.305400.66235165521#!/album.php?fbid=10150101704820522&id=66235165521&aid=305400)

Drydock Diaries – In the Yard During Holiday Stand Down

For the crew of Bonhomme Richard, this holiday season is one at home, amongst family and friends.  Work is slowed, not halted, with normal duty sections in place so the ship is not alone, but watched over during its refit.  With our “deadstick” move completed, the ship is now up on blocks, much like a car in a garage on a lift getting a very severe oil change. 

Many of the systems aboard will be upgraded, replaced, removed or refitted.  Imagine you have a car built in model year 1993.  One day you get a recall letter in the mail saying your car is due for maintenance.  Upon bringing it to the dealer, they say in a week it will be ready.  One week later, you come back to the garage finding your engine replaced, new tires, a brand new paint job, completely new interior, upgraded sound system, new features added and the mechanics tell you they’ve been driving it for the past two days to make sure everything is up to speed before giving it back to you.  That’s what’s happening to Bonhomme Richard right now. 

Upon completion of the yard period sometime in the spring, sea trials will test the ship’s ability to perform all of her necessary missions.  For the crew, this means getting underway for short periods, testing old systems, training up on new ones, and getting reacquainted with the ship in general.  Whatever does not pass muster is noted and resubmitted for further work. 

Ultimately, the goal is bringing a refitted ship over to Japan sometime next year, where the crew of Bonhomme Richard and USS Essex (LHD 2) will swap hulls, and Essex will enter her own yard period, undergoing the exact same process Bonhomme Richard is doing now. 

It’s a daunting task for both crews, and one of few perks.  Life in the yards is not pretty.  It’s often loud, clangy, dirty and noisy.  It’s long days, sometimes weekends, and not leaving until that days tasks are completed because tomorrow brings new goals and challenges that must be completed before the process can move forward.

For now, Bonhomme Richard is undergoing major surgery with a very large knife.  The crew is enjoying some well earned holiday stand down time and moving closer each day to bringing the ship out of the yards and back to the fleet. 

wsRadio -- How many gallons of paint are we using during Bonhomme Richard's dry-dock period?

Gary Robbins, UT reporter and host of wsRadio show "Science and Defense" interviewed Chief Joe Kane, public affairs chief for USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) about the ongoing dry-dock and maintenance being done on amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

There are two segments available here: 
http://filesource.abacast.com/wsradio/scienceanddefenseradio/121310/segment1121310.mp3


And here: http://filesource.abacast.com/wsradio/scienceanddefenseradio/121310/segment2121310.mp3

Cheers,
MCC

Dry Dock Diaries -- About our Ship and and "the yard"

Welcome to USS Bonhomme Richard(LHD6), currently in drydock at NASSCO Shipyards in San Diego.  This is a long and arduous process, remaking the ship from the bottom up.  All of the ships crew is involved as well as contractors and other service personnel intent on keeping this ship the pride of the waterfront and in top shape for whatever future missions may come its way. 

A little knowledge about the ship itself, Bonhomme Richard is named forthe famous naval Captain John Paul Jones.  During a battle with HMS Serapis on Sep. 23, 1779, Jones and his crew, their ship crippled, outnumbered and facing desperate odds, issued the famous quote, “I’ve not yet begun to fight,” when the enemy asked if he was ready to strike his colors.  The remark spurred the crew onto victory in the battle and for Jones and Bonhomme Richard, immortality in Navy lore.

Today’s Bonhomme Richard, steeped in rich history, is a much different vessel, in a much different Navy.  LHD 6 is an amphibious assault ship crewed by more than 3,000 Marines and Sailors when fully loaded. She carries two Rolling Air Frame missile launchers, two NATO Sea Sparrow missile launchers, two 20 mm Phalanx CIWS mounts, four .50 caliber machine guns, three 25 mm Mk 38 machine guns, along with 4 CH-53 Sea Stallions helicopters and other assorted aircraft.  What the waterfront refers to as a “gator freighter,” others see as aid in a humanitarian crisis, or a whole lot of bad news coming their way.  Forward from the sea is a Navy term used describing power projection from the sea to the shore, and that’s a primary mission of Bonhomme Richard.

While that may be impressive, awesome, fear inspiring, etc., life in the yards is not glamorous.  This is where the dirty work is done, and where the ship is brought back to life, upgraded in systems and technology refitted for new missions, adding to their already impressive capability. 

We are on “the barge,” which is exactly what it sounds like; temporary office and berthing space aboard a barge located next to the ship.  BHR, “the ship” as we know it, is currently a mess.  With “yardbirds” fully engaged, any space in the ship can be found in a state of disrepair, mid-repair or no longer there.  She is being ripped open, stripped down, repainted, upgraded and brought around.  Imagine remodeling your house by moving to the storage shed outback with your whole family, and then watching a crew of folks completely rip it down to the bones and build it back new the way you’ve designed it.  That’s what’s happening to our ship right now.  

Yard work and time in drydock is a long and involved process requiring hundreds of hours of maintenance, refitting, testing, and inspecting.  It’s learning to live, work and fight as a team, get along, and in the process get to know each other.  It’s life in the Navy and aboard USS Bonhomme Richard. 

LHD 8 and LHD 6

Getting ready to refurbish USS Bonhomme Richard!

http://www.facebook.com/ussbhr?v=app_2392950137#!/video/video.php?v=1565391007539