Floating Dry-dock Dynamic, a Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center asset, underwent final pipe design inspections during her Continuous Maintenance Availability at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story, April 6.

East Coast Repair and Fabrication, along with MARMC Production Department ship fitters, welders and pipe shop workers have been renovating and updating Dynamic since January.

"In order to extend the operational life of the dock, we started by stripping all the ballast tanks of existing equipment -- the pipes, pumps, hangers, shafts and motors," said East Coast Superintendent Ricky Whisonant.

Dynamic's ballast tank pumps were 72 years old.

Following engineered drawings and design, East Coast installed and welded new foundations for all ballast tank equipment. A new type of pump -- dewatering pump/ballast tank pump (which allows the dock to sink and float when docking a craft) -- called a flow-serve submergible pump, was installed on all eight pump foundations. Booster pumps were also installed for salt water cooling the diesel generator.

"This was the first time these pumps had been installed in dry-dock and this was a major alteration for the dock," said Dynamic Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. Shawn Gibson. "The (Norfolk Naval Shipyard Engineering and Planning Department) engineers came down, took measurements, and made sure everything was in compliance -- that there's no stress on the pipes and the pumps are aligned properly. They ensured everything will operate as designed."

Several MARMC employees have been involved in Dynamic's CMAV. The contracts department negotiated all new work with the contractor. Waterfront operations shipbuilding specialists are on-site everyday providing process verification inspections - ensuring everything and everyone is safe while working. Dynamic Sailors have pitched in too.

"The crew of Dynamic is involved each and every day," said Gibson. "Keeping safety in mind is first and foremost as work progresses. The chiefs approved all the hot work as it was done inside the tanks. There was a lot of hot work going on in all the tanks, so safety had to be at the highest level."

Gibson also insists on keeping the job site clean.

"Cleanliness is the other big thing that we have to maintain," said Gibson. "We police the dock as work is going on to ensure everyone is picking up after themselves -- sweeping and making sure floating dust bunnies don't blow over to where the welders are working and catch fire. If you don't keep it clean, you can't keep it safe."

Dynamic's crew has been hands-on in vent pipe repairs during the CMAV as well. Deteriorating vent piping in the generator room needed attention by the Sailors.

"We were able to fix it ourselves -- we cut out six inches of the pipe, replaced it with new pipe and TIG welded it all the way around," said Hull Technician Fireman Corinne Gharineh. "It gives you a sense of pride after you complete the work -- you feel good about yourself, when you are able to accomplish something that's good for the dock and you know everything is going to be safe after that."

Dynamic's CMAV is expected to be complete in early May.

For more news from Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, visit www.navy.mil