Shipbuilders constructing George M. Neal (DDG 131) have installed the first of three generators. Generators are among the first pieces of large major equipment to be landed in a ship’s construction, providing electricity to the entire ship as construction continues.
Before the generators can be landed, Hull and Accuracy Control work together to ensure the foundations are built to the right Navy specifications by thoroughly inspecting the equipment at every stage of construction.
Then, the Machinery team performs the required maintenance and initial preservation of the equipment before it is landed on the assembly.
Once it’s ready to be placed on the ship, Hull fits the foundation to the unit so the equipment can be landed on its foundation. It’s a technical operation that requires every shipbuilder involved to focus on safety and accuracy.
“The coordination between Ships Management and the riggers to perform the lift with the crane and place the generator in its exact location without damaging it or any surrounding components is critical,” said Mike Pruitt, director, Unit Construction. “It takes a lot of communication and teamwork to get it done with first-time quality.”
George M. Neal (DDG 31) is an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer named for Korean War veteran, Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class George M. Neal. Neal was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while attempting to rescue a Marine who had been shot down and was trapped by the enemy.
Neal volunteered as a helicopter crew member to fly deep in the mountains. During the rescue attempt, while under heavy enemy fire, Neal’s helicopter was disabled and crashed. He assisted his pilot and the rescued aviator in evading enemy forces for nine days before being captured and held as a prisoner of war. Neal was eventually released and returned to the U.S. with more than 320 fellow POWs in 1952.