Hawaii Regional Maintenance Center Gears Up for Decommissioning of USS Antietam

Antietam, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, is set to be decommissioned on September 27 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after 37 years of service.

The inactivation was executed by HRMC in collaboration with contractor Pacific Shipyards International. During the 96-day period, multiple systems on the ship, including refrigeration, sewage collection, and fire-fighting systems, were deactivated. Additionally, all combustible liquids were removed, and sea-connected valves were sealed to ensure the vessel remains watertight while anchored at the Inactive Ships Maintenance Office in Pearl Harbor. Here, Antietam will be maintained as a Logistic Support Asset with periodic inspections.

“Under the leadership of Project Manager Dan King, the team demonstrated Surface Team Hawaii’s excellence in maintenance – absolutely amazing,” Capt. Brian Ryglowski, HRMC deputy commander, commented. “Collectively, his team completed specialized maintenance tasks despite infrastructure constraints and a high workload. On behalf of the Navy, I want to thank Dan and everyone who contributed for their dedication in executing our mission as USS Antietam has reached the end of its service life for the nation.”

PHNSY & IMF, a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command, serves as a regional maintenance center for the Navy’s surface ships and submarines. It is the largest industrial employer in Hawaii, with around 6,500 civilian and military personnel. Strategically located in the heart of the Pacific, the facility offers comprehensive fleet repair and maintenance services closer to potential regional contingencies in East Asia.