USS Pennsylvania Departs Drydock

Trident-class ballistic missile submarine USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) completed a major step in its 27-month, engineered refueling overhaul (ERO) when it departed Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PNS & IMF) Aug. 5. Pennsylvania, based at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, entered dry dock in December 2009 for its ERO, which will enable the submarine to provide another 20 years or more of service.

Cmdr. Gustavo Gutierrez, Pennsylvania's commanding officer, applauded the efforts of his crew and shipyard personnel for ensuring a safe and successful undocking. "I cannot be more proud of the hard work done by my crew along with the shipyard to make this day possible," said Gutierrez. "The entire evolution was completed safely and without incident, which is a testament to the cohesiveness of the entire Pennsylvania team."

Since Pennsylvania entered dry dock, her Sailors have been living and working aboard a temporary living barge moored just outside the facility. The next significant milestone for Pennsylvania will be to ensure it has all the amenities required for the Sailors to move back aboard. Pennsylvania will remain pierside at PSNS & IMF until the completion of the shipyard availability in early 2012.