Sailors temporarily assigned to USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) planned incremental availability's (PIA) deck and tile team are now replacing the tile decks with a new coating referred to as PRC, after its manufacturer, Products Research and Chemical Corporation.

PRC is a marine deck-coating made of a resin sealer and color epoxy that is designed to resist heavy abrasion, impact and other potential movements.

"The application process is really easy since it's similar to painting," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Alec Weeks, leading petty officer of the deck and tile team from Troy, Illinois. "With the new PRC decks all we have to do to keep them looking immaculate is a quick sweep and swab, no more stripping and waxing."

Besides being easier to maintain, PRC coincidentally enhances John C. Stennis' performance.

"It requires no underlayment which reduces the amount of weight we are adding to the ship," added Weeks."

Having Sailors trained to install this deck surface also enhances the ship's self-sufficiency. The skills they have learned will continue to be employed for future deck installations after the ship leaves the shipyard environment.

Weeks also praised his Sailors on their hard work and commitment to their temporarily assigned jobs.

"They are very passionate about this process and it shows," said Weeks. "I couldn't be more proud of the Sailors on the deck and tile team."

John C. Stennis is conducting a PIA at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, during which the ship is undergoing scheduled maintenance and upgrades.


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