NEWPORT NEWS—The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) recently arrived at Newport News Shipbuilding to start its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) after years of advanced planning.
“For the last three years, we have planned each step of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis’ (CVN 74) RCOH, including procuring long lead-time materials, conducting shipboard inspections, and readying our facilities for this extensive engineering and construction project,” said Todd West, Newport News Shipyard Vice President, In-Service Aircraft Carrier Programs. “We look forward to continuing our work with the ship’s crew and our 579 vendors across 36 states that provide material and services which brings stability of this industrial base and is critical to our ability to continue to build and maintain the Navy fleet, our Navy, and nation needs.”
The Stennis is the seventh Nimitz-class carrier to undergo this major mid-life availability, representing 35 percent of all maintenance and modernization completed during its 50-year service life. Over the next four years, Newport News Shipbuilding will perform hull and freeboard blast and paint, repairs to its propellers, sea chests, shafts, and rudders, and defueling and refueling its nuclear power plant.
This effort, which will continue through late 2025, will produce a recapitalized carrier capable of supporting current and future warfare doctrine while continuing to operate as the centerpiece of the Navy fleet and national defenses for another 25 years.