Underwater Construction Team 2's Construction Dive Detachment Alpha completed maintenance and repairs at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Feb. 29.

UCT 2 was tasked with repairing three of Naval Station Pearl Harbor's deteriorating piers, an ideal project for underwater construction technicians, who specialize in both diving and construction.

The 1940s-era piers showed signs of spalling and general deterioration. CDD/A encased the pier's piles in fiberglass jackets with embedded cathodic protection, and then filled the jackets with cement grout.

"Between the three detachments, we've completed approximately 260 piles since we began the project in 2008," said Chief Equipment Operator James McVicar, CDD/A's officer in charge. "We expect this mission to continue in the coming years until all load bearing piles are deemed structurally sound."

CDD/A completed 36 pile jackets during this deployment stop, their first on a six-month Pacific deployment.

"We've logged 32 dives with just over 26 hours of bottom time," said Builder 2nd Class Justin Lieder, project supervisor. "Our work extends as deep as necessary, but we find the worst damage at the waterline."

The team's repair of Bravo, Hotel, and Sierra Piers on JBPHH have helped prolong U.S. 3rd Fleet assets, ensuring Pearl Harbor remains one of the most effective ports in the world.

"The busy (operations) tempo both here at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, highlights how vital Hawaii is, not only for our own national security but also for our friends and allies who help us maintain stability throughout the region," said Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith.

UCT 2 provides construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of waterfront and ocean facilities in support of Naval and Marine Corps operations. Underwater Construction Technicians have the unique ability of providing shallow and deep water repairs, as well as being a highly skilled construction force.

For more news from Naval Construction Group 1, visit www.navy.mil