The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) returned to the fleet March 2, after completing a 16-month Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA).

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) provided oversight for the availability, which was contracted to BAE Systems Ship Repair in Norfolk, Virginia. The work package included 18-month and 5-year boiler inspections and repairs, stern gate ram repairs, structural repairs, and flight deck non-skid replacement and other major projects.

Project Manager Todd Sandhoff said the availability experienced some delays due to port-loading issues and some fiscal constraints.

"Part of the issue with the manning and fiscal shortfalls is it delays the discovery of growth work,” Sandhoff said.

This availability was one of the most recent large deck amphibious ships to conduct a Chief of Naval Operation’s availability under a firmed-fixed price contract, which presented more administrative and logistical challenges for the maintenance team. 

Experience is key in completing an extended availability, and many members of the maintenance team relied on their military background to inspire them to stay focused on the mission of getting the ship back to sea. 

“As a prior Sailor, making sure current Sailors receive a quality product at the end of the availability is the most important thing,” added Shipbuilding Specialist (SBS) Alex Lopez. “We want to make sure they have the ability and the confidence to go out and stand their watch properly and safely to keep our nation safe.”

Despite the obstacles, the entire team was able to come together – the maintenance team, S/F and contractors – to deliver an operationally ready Bataan back to the fleet. Reflecting on the enormous undertaking, the team has many reasons to feel pride.

“With hard work, the ship and crew will be able to meet all their training goals and perform as required in the fleet,” said SBS Don McDougal. “This availability had 226 specification items, 110 new work items, 3,000 condition found reports, 730 request for contract changes (RCC’s) and 118 corrective action reports. This was a lot of work completed. I feel proud and confident in our team’s accomplishment.”    

The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) returned to the fleet March 2, after completing a 16-month Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA).

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) provided oversight for the availability, which was contracted to BAE Systems Ship Repair in Norfolk, Virginia. The work package included 18-month and 5-year boiler inspections and repairs, stern gate ram repairs, structural repairs, and flight deck non-skid replacement and other major projects.

Project Manager Todd Sandhoff said the availability experienced some delays due to port-loading issues and some fiscal constraints.

“Part of the issue with the manning and fiscal shortfalls is it delays the discovery of growth work,” Sandhoff said.

This availability was one of the most recent large deck amphibious ships to conduct a Chief of Naval Operation’s availability under a firmed-fixed price contract, which presented more administrative and logistical challenges for the maintenance team. 

Experience is key in completing an extended availability, and many members of the maintenance team relied on their military background to inspire them to stay focused on the mission of getting the ship back to sea. 

“As a prior Sailor, making sure current Sailors receive a quality product at the end of the availability is the most important thing,” added Shipbuilding Specialist (SBS) Alex Lopez. “We want to make sure they have the ability and the confidence to go out and stand their watch properly and safely to keep our nation safe.”

Despite the obstacles, the entire team was able to come together – the maintenance team, S/F and contractors – to deliver an operationally ready Bataan back to the fleet. Reflecting on the enormous undertaking, the team has many reasons to feel pride.

“With hard work, the ship and crew will be able to meet all their training goals and perform as required in the fleet,” said SBS Don McDougal. “This availability had 226 specification items, 110 new work items, 3,000 condition found reports, 730 request for contract changes (RCC’s) and 118 corrective action reports. This was a lot of work completed. I feel proud and confident in our team’s accomplishment.”    

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