It's the new way all aircraft carriers will receive maintenance. Gone are the days of the long overhaul periods that sometimes lasted up to 36 months for carriers. That shorter period of availability for George Washington starts Sept. 3 and will last six months. He said that George Washington's PIA team has made great strides in planning and preparing the ship. For the shipyard project team, success of this project will be measured by quality work being done on time and with minimal impact to the crew's quality of life.
Proper planning plays a major role in success, so does teamwork and good communication.
However, Robb pointed out that even though more work is being squeezed into a shorter period of time, it's actually saving taxpayers money. The ship is saving money by performing some of their own maintenance. George Washington's Chief Engineer CDR Eddie J. Gardiner stated that two of the biggest projects for the ships force is improving habitability of 12 berthing compartments and cutting out access covers in the ship's ventilation system. The berthing project is the first step in refitting George Washington to accommodate more women. The final stages of preparing the aircraft carrier for women crew members will be completed during PIA 1998.