A Solution to the Inherent List on Nimitz Class Aircraft Carriers

combined with <strong>the</strong> island which is one level shorter. There is also a more realistic protection
scheme such that a space armor concept was employed. On <strong>the</strong> older islands, such as CVN 73,
Level III protection can be seen throughout <strong>the</strong> entire island. This includes 40# (1") plating,
whereas <strong>the</strong> new CVN 76 island has Level II protection in some areas and is thus lighter.
Ano<strong>the</strong>r option could be <strong>to</strong> extend <strong>the</strong> port side flight deck on <strong>the</strong> old Nimitz class, as
was done on CVN 76. This allowed for more operational flexibility as <strong>the</strong> forward port jet blast
deflec<strong>to</strong>r can now be used <strong>to</strong> its full extent. In any case, it is important <strong>to</strong> note that any number
of ship alterations could be made when time and money become available in <strong>the</strong> future.
1.3.6 Re-examine current <strong>List</strong> Control System
Fleet feedback was taken in<strong>to</strong> consideration when performing this study. The design of
<strong>the</strong> current LCS reportedly requires extensive manpower for operations, possesses obsolete
components, and is not integrated with o<strong>the</strong>r shipboard liquid-movement functions. The
installed LCS consists of 10 tanks, 2 pumps and 14 associated valves <strong>to</strong> distribute seawater
ballast as required compensating for lists up <strong>to</strong> 1.5 degrees. The manually controlled system
uses verbal communications and associated sailor actions for operation.
Much of <strong>the</strong> fleet feedback received noted that <strong>the</strong> current LCS provides sufficient
control when <strong>the</strong> inherent starboard list has been corrected. The fleet also noted, however, that if
correction has not been provided, <strong>the</strong> LCS alone does not provide ample list correction while at
full combat load (average displacement between 98,000 and 100,000 I<strong>to</strong>ns, mean draft
approximately between 38'10" and 39'10", even liquid distribution, and standard spotting of
aircraft for flight operations). Standard spotting includes F-18s on <strong>the</strong> 1 and 4 row, hummers
(fleet jargon for <strong>the</strong> E-2C Hawkeye) in <strong>the</strong> hummer hole, F-14s on <strong>the</strong> stem of <strong>the</strong> flight deck.
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