On Wednesday, July 31, the USS John Warner was certified and delivered back to the Navy 17 days ahead of schedule. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in the project – they should be proud of themselves and their work,” said John Occhionero, program director of submarine maintenance and modernization.
Electric Boat was approached by the Navy in early March after a rudder problem was identified on the Virginia-class boat. The repair was emergent since the Navy needs the boat to support deployments later this year. The EB team proposed a period of performance from April 22 through August 16, with an incentive completion date of August 1.
“The success of this maintenance availability is due to the outstanding pre-planning effort between all involved, including the operations trades, ships management, purchasing, test, the docking crew, engineering and the program office,” said Occhionero. “When unexpected problems arose, the entire team turned it around. That’s why we were able to meet our early incentive date. It shows the Navy how well we can perform.”
Also critical to the EB team’s exceptional performance on the John Warner were the many lessons learned from Montpelier, EB’s largest submarine repair job, which was completed this spring, “such as using the same team from one boat to the next, because they knew what was expected,” said Occhionero. “It’s rewarding, and fun, when we can deliver on time or early.”
SSN 785 left EB on August 2, and the crew reports the rudder is performing well. As part of the repairs, EB also replaced torpedo tube shutter bearings and performed additional testing. “For the removal of the rudder, we utilized new construction fixtures, which enabled us to save a great deal of time,” said Occhionero. “In addition, we supported about 10 – 15 alteration installation teams (AITs), who came in to work on a variety of areas, taking advantage of the boat being docked.” AITs typically come from outside companies or the Navy themselves.
Delivering the Future
Some imagine the future. We deliver it now.
State-of-the-Art Simulator Prepares District of Columbia Crew for its Mission
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Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of USS Groton Sail Monument
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A Celebration of Heart, Community and Victory
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Quonset Point Donation Will Help Keep Mystic Aquarium’s Belugas Cool
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EB Team Visits Hypertherm as Part of Drive Toward Modern, Efficient Shipbuilding
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Kamal Mohamed Recognized as 2026 Hartford Business Journal 40 Under Forty Award Recipient
The Hartford Business Journal (HBJ) 40 Under Forty Awards recognize outstanding young professionals in the Greater Hartford area who are excelling in their industries through their leadership roles. They are driven by success, motivated by challenges and are role models for their peers. These individuals are part of an outstanding class of upcoming business leaders...Continue reading→
Electric Boat Joins Regional Leaders for Military Appreciation Breakfast
Electric Boat employees joined military and community leaders for the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s annual Military Appreciation Breakfast on Sept. 30 at Ocean Beach Park’s Port ‘N’ Starboard. The event provided more than 120 complimentary seats to active-duty service members from the Navy, Coast Guard and Connecticut National Guard. General Dynamics Electric Boat...Continue reading→
One Week Left—Let’s Claim the Torch! AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk: Final Countdown
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803 Section 2B/5 Transported from Quonset Point to Groton
PCU Arizona’s (SSGN 803) Section 2B/5 was successfully delivered to Groton from Quonset Point. At 184 feet in length, this section – which includes the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) – is the largest Virginia-class shipment ever transported. Arizona, the first submarine to incorporate VPM, will be about 460 feet long upon final construction. Section 2B/5...Continue reading→
