Way to go, shipbuilders! The future USS Thad Cochran (DDG 135) has successfully reached 25% erect and is beginning to resemble the lethal vessel it will soon become. With this milestone achieved, roughly a quarter of the ship’s structure has been lifted and assembled on blocks.
“Reaching this milestone is significant because it’s where the ship starts taking shape,” explained Steve Ates, DDG program management. “This is when we begin preparing to load main machinery, install equipment that has been loaded on the ship, and allow outfitting crafts to start hooking up and making tie-ins.”
This stage of construction represents the core of the ship itself.
“The completion of this milestone encompasses the propulsion and power generation, the A/C plants, and all the pumps and compressors that run the ship,” explained Randall Parnell, Machinery superintendent. “It’s where the heart starts. From here, we begin installing the capabilities that will give the ship life.”
BUILT THROUGH TEAMWORK
From the start of fabrication to the moment a grand block is lifted into place, each step depends on coordinated effort across multiple crafts and shops.
“To get to the erect of a grand block, especially one low in the hull like the A33, it really takes everyone pulling together as one,” said Steve.
From Hull working to fit and weld the seams that turn units into grand blocks, to Machinery installing equipment so other crafts can begin their work, to Paint preparing surfaces and applying antifouling coatings, it’s a huge team effort.
That coordination must happen in lockstep across departments to keep construction moving forward.
“The thousands of man-hours and coordination of crafts and shops that must work together for this milestone is hard to wrap your head around,” said Randall. “It’s beyond amazing to see and be part of this process.”
BUILT FOR THE MISSION
Each block erected brings DDG 135 one step closer to becoming a fully operational warship ready to serve the warfighters who protect our peace.
“It means a lot to me knowing we are producing quality ships that not only help our military succeed in their mission but also bring our servicemembers home safely to their families,” said Steve.
Thank you, shipbuilders, for serving your nation through shipbuilding.