Service investigates shipyard issues in aircraft carrier and submarine welding.
U.S. Navy officials reported that faulty welds were discovered on three vessels, including the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and submarines USS Hyman G. Rickover and USS New Jersey. The issue occurred at the Newport News Shipyard in Virginia, but the substandard welds did not impact the ships’ safety or operational components.
Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro stated that the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) confirmed the vessels are safe to operate, and the welders in question had not followed proper welding procedures.
“Importantly, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has assessed that the welds were not on components or systems that affect ship safety or operations,” stated Secretary Del Toro. “NAVSEA, as the technical warrant holder, has determined the ships are safe to operate.”
Over two dozen ships are being examined for similar welding issues, and an investigation by the Department of Justice is underway. Newport News Shipbuilding, which is owned by Huntington Ingalls Industries, acknowledged that some welders had knowingly bypassed welding protocols. Congressional legislators are looking into how the issue arose and its scope across the Navy’s nuclear fleet.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Secretary Del Toro and naval investigators as they look into the welding faults.
- For Defense Department and congressional officials as they conduct reviews and investigations into the defense manufacturing defects.
Sources: Navy Times, Military.com
