The future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131) has reached a significant milestone in its production, achieving 75 percent butt weld completion (BWC). To date, 12 grand blocks have been welded in the main hull of the ship.
“This milestone is important not only because of the halfway point in the weld out of the ship but because of all of the outfitting work that is enabled,” said Christopher Brown, DDG program director. “Now that the butt welds are made in these areas, the outfitting crafts can make all their grand block to grand block tie-ins for pipe, cable, joiner etc.”
This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the countless hours of work from Ingalls shipbuilders. It was a collective effort from multiple departments to produce quality work while also ensuring safety.
“The Hull department had most of the scope and deserve the lion’s share of the credit, but the outfitting crafts had a part in ensuring the grand block was pre-outfitted and painted prior to erection,” said Gary Ates, general ship superintendent. “The grand blocks were erected at a much higher completion than past hulls, reducing the amount of traveling hotwork to the blocks and therefore reducing fire risks.”
George M. Neal (DDG 131) is an Arleigh Burke-class 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.