Yard says problems will delay Makin Island

[unhappycamper]

The delivery of the ampibious assault ship Makin Island is being delayed after Northrop Grumman uncovered problems with the ship's electrical wiring and other systems.


Yard says problems will delay Makin Island
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Apr 15, 2008 22:25:38 EDT

Shipbuilder Northrop Grumman is delaying delivery of a new Navy amphibious assault ship, the Makin Island, after the company uncovered problems with the ship’s electrical wiring and other systems.

The Makin Island, under construction in Pascagoula, Miss., is to be the Navy’s first gas-turbine-powered big-deck gator, now scheduled for delivery sometime in the second quarter of 2009 — a six-month delay, the Navy said. Northrop Grumman announced that it will bear the cost of the setback, which could be as much as $360 million.

Northrop Grumman said “a lack of progress” before at-sea testing prompted engineers to conduct major reviews of the Makin Island’s systems, which led to the discovery of the electrical problems. They will require “substantial rework,” according to a company announcement.

Navy Secretary Donald Winter has asked for a full review of the problems with the ship, according to the Navy.

“The Navy is encouraged by the fresh look and new management oversight applied by Northrop Grumman on this issue,” Navy spokesman Cmdr. Jeff Davis said in a statement. “At the same time, the Navy remains concerned about the schedule issues and the associated impacts to the fleet, and is exploring options to mitigate that operational impact.”


Rest of artile at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/04/navy_gator_delay_041508w/