Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic awarded a contract for repairs at Pier 12 at Naval Submarine Base New London Feb. 24.

According to Cmdr. Shawn Follum, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic's Northeast Integrated Product Team Lead, the $4.9 million contract was awarded to Triton Marine Construction Company.

"The piers at SUBASE are like our bones; we need them to support our Nation's and Navy's muscle - the 15 fast-attack submarines homeported here," says Cmdr. Kurt Stronach, executive officer, Naval Submarine Base New London. "SUBASE is looking forward to this much needed infrastructure improvement. It should keep Pier 12 serving as a valuable mooring location for many years to come."

The work will include restoration of the structural elements of the pier to include the deck, beams, pile caps and pile foundation. It will occur above and below the water surface; including repairs to both above and below deck deterioration and repairs and replacement of the elements of the fender system.

"The pier was originally constructed in 1960," says Leonard Topp, the project manager. "The repairs were identified to bring the condition of the pier back to its original capacity."

According to Topp the cathodic protection system, which is a method of preventing corrosion of steel in water will also be replaced on the steel piles used as part of the pier's fender system.

Topp adds that construction will begin in the next two months.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/.