Cheyenne Triumphantly Unleashes from PNSY’s Grasp

“I couldn’t be more proud of the Cheyenne crew and the men and women of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for all the work to achieve this significant milestone,” said Cheyenne Commanding Officer Cmdr. Kyle Calton. “Undocking is one of the most meaningful events in our overhaul period, returning Cheyenne to the water where she belongs and putting a huge gust of wind in our sails as we prepare to return to sea.”

The USS Cheyenne’s return to water marks a crucial point in its extensive overhaul journey. Undergoing significant repairs, structural checks, and the replacement of numerous systems, the submarine is set to enhance its capabilities for future missions. This work is crucial for maintaining the fleet’s operational readiness and aligns with national defense strategies.

The undocking of Cheyenne is a testament to the effective work conducted amidst the ongoing construction related to the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program. This milestone highlights the shipyard’s innovative capabilities in advancing naval goals and restoring essential infrastructure.

“Reaching the undocking milestone is a big win during any maintenance availability. The efforts on Cheyenne are even more impressive as the team executed their highly complex work amid an active construction zone for our multi-mission dry dock,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Michael Oberdorf. “It’s like cooking Thanksgiving dinner while renovating your kitchen – it requires thoughtful planning, coordination, and superb execution. Cheyenne’s undocking underscores our shipyard’s commitment to not only meet our current mission but ensures we can meet the future needs of America’s warfighting Navy to support and defend our nation.”

Project Superintendent Jerry Legere praised the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard team and Cheyenne’s crew for their dedication. “They met every challenge head-on with tenacity and selflessness – they are all heroes,” he stated, acknowledging their efforts to deliver a fully mission-capable submarine on time.

Attack submarines, like Cheyenne, are versatile platforms playing vital roles in various naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering. Their ability to project power ashore significantly enhances their strategic value in regional crises.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard continues to lead in attack submarine maintenance and modernization, ensuring these vessels are ready for any mission. This commitment to quality and readiness reinforces the Navy’s maritime strategy priorities and fortifies national defense capabilities.