Underwater Propeller Change,
USS Enterprise, CVN-65

Salvage Plan

Initial planning called for Navy Divers to unseat the propeller then yard and stay it from under the ship. Three 50-ton pneumatic chain hoists specially modified and tested for the underwater operation would be rigged to remove the propeller and suspend it alongside a work barge. The propeller could then be moved to within reach of the 100-ton floating crane for transfer ashore and the new propeller could then be similarily installed.

A detailed plan of action and milestones with assigned responsibilities was prepared on 13 May 1983 by SUPSHIP. It included the concept of operations, personnel support requirements, materiel support requirements, milestones, and contingency / backup planning. The Navy chain of command sought to carry out the propeller change using Navy assets to the greatest possible extent. (Since we were tied up to the very same pier as Enterprise...), arrangements were made for the divers of the USS Hector to perform this underwater propeller change with the assistance of Mobile Diving and Salavge Unit (MDSU) One. Diving technical assistance and technical control of operations were provided by NAVSEA OOC. The overall responsibility and operational control for the propeller change was assigned to Captain Venezia, Commanding Office of the USS Hector.

On 16 May 1983, COMNAVUSAIRPAC approved the proposed salvage plan. Preparations began for supporting a 31 May start date to commence inwater operations. This included identifying materiel requirements, testing the modified pnuematic chain hoists, staging equipment, and training the divers in the underwater usage of all specialized equipment.

WebMaster Bruce