USS North Carolina Submarine Heads for Maintenance at Historic Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – On Sept. 4, the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) successfully docked the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) for a depot modernization period (DMP).

Cmdr. Tad Robbins, North Carolina’s commanding officer, stated, “North Carolina is approaching the midway point of her planned life cycle. It is essential to conduct repairs and state-of-the-art upgrades to ensure she remains combat-ready and capable of fulfilling all assigned tasks into the 2030s.”

Robbins noted that the crew eagerly anticipates the refurbishment and upgrade period, following North Carolina’s three deployments in the Pacific over the past six years.

During the DMP, the project team and crew will undertake structural inspections and repairs, overhaul and replacement of complex mechanical and electrical systems, paint and coatings repair and replacement, system modernization, and nuclear work.

“We are working together as one big Ohana to get the boat back to the fleet as quickly as possible,” said Kevin Alford, project superintendent at PHNSY & IMF. “While the work is challenging, with the right team, it can also be enjoyable. I definitely have the right team.”

The submarine will undergo a 10-month period of system testing and crew certification after spending time in dry dock. More than 600 personnel will be involved daily at the project’s peak.

The Navy’s Pacific submarine force has unique access to critical undersea domains. Rapid deployment is essential for the Pacific Fleet’s ability to deter and respond to crises in the Indo-Pacific region. While at sea, submarines conduct combat readiness training and employ undersea warfare capabilities in support of various missions. The shipyard’s capability to complete complex maintenance on time ensures the submarine force remains ready and responsive.

Commissioned on May 3, 2008, the USS North Carolina is the fourth Navy vessel and first submarine named after the state. It is homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and has a crew of approximately 140 sailors and officers from nearly every state.

PHNSY & IMF, a field activity of NAVSEA, serves as a regional maintenance center for the Navy’s surface ships and submarines. It is the largest industrial employer in Hawaii and is strategically located to address regional contingencies swiftly.