The mast is now in place for Bougainville (LHA 8) after being installed earlier this month, bringing the ship to more than 60 percent complete.
While multiple departments assist with the mast, the Hull department is primarily responsible for the process.
“The mast erection is a very detailed procedure, from start fab, to building and installing it,” said Ernest Bradley, general hull superintendent. “The installation of the mast is one of Hull’s most important erects because it is the basis of the communication for the ship.”
Because of the new mast design on LHA 8, the process to erect it has seen significant improvements.
“The aluminum mast is 60-feet tall and has an updated design, which requires a complex manufacturing and assembly process,” said Stephen Janowski, LHA ship program manager.
The mast erection on each ship is noteworthy because it’s the highest piece installed and usually the last piece to erect.