Independence (LCS 2) - Bath Iron Works

Getting Spruance Ultra 3000 ReadyIn the lead-up to completion of Ultra3000 work in the Ultra Hall, the unitwas filled with 1st and 2nd shiftmechanics. Inevitably, some tradesoverlapped at times and congestionoccasionally became an issue. Thingsbecame even more complicated whentrades needed paint coatings applied orremoved to be able to accomplish theirwork orders.Recognizing the constraint, a smallgroup of mechanics was pulled togetherto create a temporary graveyard shift towork critical tasks to remove congestionon the earlier shifts and allow productionto push ahead.Starting in late September, a crew ofPreservation Technicians and one Tinsmithled by Dennis Youland (D10) tackled thejob. For three weeks, they took on everyjob that came their way so as to set the nextday up for smoother production. In sodoing, they made a significant contributionto the high level of completion of Ultra3000 when it departed the Ultra Buildingfor the Land Level. Insulation was installed,partitions were up and furniture was fullyinstalled in some staterooms. Both helicopterhangar overheads were finished,sprayed, painted and de-staged and exteriordoors installed to keep out the fastapproaching Maine winter weather.The overall level of completion of Ultra3000 on the ways is a testament to all thehard working men and women in the UltraHall with a special nod to the overnightcrew that volunteered their services at acritical time in production.Ultra 3000 leaving the building.3rd Shift Ultra Crew*Paul AldrichWalter AmesEd BrewerHugh BrownJohn CampbellMike ChaseBill Cushman, Jr.Bobby Jones, Jr.Craig LibbyMike MerrillMike PottleChris Raymond* All D27 except Chase, D173rd Shift Ultra Team, l to r: Walter Ames, Hugh Brown, Bill Cushman, Jr., Bobby Jones, Jr., ChrisRaymond, Craig Libby, and Dennis Youland. Missing from the photo; Paul Aldrich, Ed Brewer, JohnCampbell, Mike Chase, Mike Merrill and Mike Pottle.BIW NEWS | November 2009 | 7