USA: Norfolk Naval Shipyard Improves Firefighting Plan

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and the crew of USS Newport News (SSN 750) improved the ship’s firefighting plan while the submarine is in dry dock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, NAVSEA announced Nov. 29.

As part of the new plan, the project team developed a non-collapsible hose to enhance the current firefighting response system.

“This hose allows us to get water on the scene quickly until the firefighting team arrives,” said Lt. Jeremy Young, ship’s safety officer. “There are about 15 fire extinguishers on the whole boat, and if the first couple don’t cut it, the crew is running up and down ladders with fire extinguishers.”

When a submarine enters dry dock, many of the shipboard firefighting systems are disabled, necessitating alternative methods of firefighting. The new hose augments the readily available fire extinguishers and enables the crew to begin extinguishing a fire in dry dock while waiting for a firefighting team to arrive.

The one-inch hose weighs one pound per foot when filled with water, a fraction of the weight of a canvas hose, allowing for easier maneuverability in confined spaces. Stored topside on a winch, it is easily deployed and operated by one person.

NNSY, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, is the oldest industrial facility belonging to the U.S. Navy, and specializes in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines.

[mappress]

Press Release, November 30, 2012