Underwater Propeller Change,
USS Enterprise, CVN-65
Lessons Learned
Personnel Involved
The most important lesson learned from the Enterprise propeller change was that it is possible to accomplish an underwater propeller change on one of the largest ships in the United States Navy. Difficulties encountered throughout the operation increased the knowledge gained. The use of the Kerie Cable cutting technique, for example, was proven applicable to underwater operations. The problems with the hydraulic pancake jacks taught divers that the jacks are sensitive to piston pressure when the face and the case are not aligned. Self-aligning procedures and modifications are needed when the surfaces to which force is being applied are not parallel. The procedures, techniques, and special equipment used to execute this project, and the lessons learned in their execution, can be relied on for future waterborne propeller changes on the largest U.S. Navy ships.
Participating Personnel by Command
USS Hector, AR-7
Commanding Officer: Capt. Venezia
Repair
Officer: Cdr. Wheeler
Diving Officer: LTjg Hall
Diving Supervisor: HTC/DV
Bruce Laurich
The "working" Divers: MM2/DV Bruce Partlow; IC2/DV John Reiss;
BM3/DV Peter Belury; EN3/DV Rubin Rodriguez
Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One Support
Commanding Officer: LtCdr. James
Peck
Master Diver: GMSC/MDV George Rekow
BMC/DV Don Tonkin
BM1/DV Ed
Delanoy
HT2/DV Mark Lewis
HT2/DV James Septer
HM2/DV Richard
Gilliam
HT2/DV Chris White
HT2/DV Dan Marlow
MM2/DV James
Nichols
PN3/DV Wally Waipa
Surface Fleet Atlantic Observer
HTCS/DV Brad Cole
NAVSEA Diving Technical Assistant
TMCM/MDV Bill Gholson
Master Rigging Supervisor
Mr. Ron Green, Master Rigger, Long Beach Naval Shipyard
NAVSEA Operations Coordinators
Mr. Clark Malder, NAVSEA OOC
Mr. Frank
Zaher, NAVSEA 56X4
WebMaster Bruce
