Shipbuilders have finished installing the bow on Pittsburgh (LPD 31), bringing another major section of the hull into place.
The bow is built separately before it is lifted and joined with the rest of the hull. Completing the lift required careful planning and coordination as riggers, crane operators, shipfitters and welders worked to safely position the massive structure, ensuring it aligned with the rest of the hull.
“You don’t get a lift like this by figuring it out when the crane starts moving,” said Stacy Eubanks, Ship Superintendent. “We had to make sure the structure was ready, the teams were lined up, and every step was understood before the bow could go in the air. When it came time to make the lift, everyone knew their part.”
BRINGING THE SHIP TOGETHER
That success is the result of work that begins long before the crane moves. Shipbuilders prepare the structure, verify measurements and make the necessary adjustments to ensure every connection meets design requirements.
“Once that bow is hanging, there’s no room for guessing,” said Lakenya Finklea, Boat Foreman. “We’re watching and communicating every move until we have it where it needs to be. It takes really good communication and alot of teamwork. This is a good example of how every detail sets up the next stage of construction.”
ABOUT THE SHIP
LPD 31 is the second Flight II in the San Antonio class and the fifth Navy vessel to be named after the city of Pittsburgh, Pa. The first ship was an ironclad gunboat that served during the American Civil War. Since then, the name Pittsburgh has been assigned to four additional vessels that have served the U.S. during conflict.
In addition to LPD 31, Ingalls is currently constructing Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Philadelphia (LPD 32) and has received contracts for the construction of LPDs 33-35. Ingalls is the sole builder of San Antonio-class ships and has delivered 13 LPDs to the U.S. Navy.