CNO Tours Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead gets hands-on experience in the operation of induction coating removal equipment during a tour of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, from the Shipyard Commander, Capt. Robert Mazzone and the Shipyard Plastics Fabricator Richard Beaudion. U.S. Navy photo by Jeremy Lambert By Deb White, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead toured Portsmouth Naval Shipyard here Jan. 8 as part of an eight-day trip visiting private and public shipyards throughout the U.S. The CNO is conducting the trip to help deepen his understanding of the shipbuilding industry. Joined by Sens. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, Susan Collins, R-Maine, and shipyard senior leadership, Roughead toured the yard to gain what he called, "up-to-date, first-hand knowledge of the latest developments, technological advances and infrastructure improvements in the shipyards."

While at the shipyard, Roughead received a command brief, toured and met with commanding officers of submarines USS Louisville (SSN 724), USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), USS Memphis (SSN 691) and USS Greenville (SSN 772). During a walking tour of the waterfront, Roughead greeted Sailors and shipyard workers, asked questions, and stopped to see production work. Roughead also stopped to get hands-on experience in operating induction coating removal equipment currently used at the shipyard. This transitional technology is used in surface preparation applications where the coating is thick and difficult to remove. This process replaces the traditionally used mechanical pneumatic tooling for these difficult applications, and has resulted in a safer, more efficient execution of work.

Roughead concluded his visit by joining the senators, senior leadership, and the shipyard Commander, Capt. Robert Mazzone and his wife, Nancy, for lunch at their home in historic Quarters "A". During lunch the group discussed some of the challenges the shipyard faces including workforce, workload and infrastructure. They also discussed the "Portsmouth Naval Shipyard – Vision 2035" — a plan to ensure the health and vitality of the shipyard. This visit will also play a larger role as Roughead emphasizes his commitment to making the Navy a "Top 50" workplace. His trips include meeting with Navy civilians, Sailors and family members, as well as business leaders and educators to help define the Navy's way ahead and integrate change, as needed. Roughead believes that "if you don't walk the ground, you will not have a good sense of what's going on."