NEW PIER WILL SUPPORT COLUMBIA PROGRAM

At HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, a new pier now under construction in the North Yard will be a crucial piece in the Columbia-Class Submarine Program, where Newport News plays a major supporting role. Construction began about a year ago on the pier, which is just north of Dry Dock 12. It will allow NNS to load Columbia submarine modules onto a barge for transport to General Dynamics Electric Boat, the prime contractor for the program. But that simple description doesn’t do justice to the complexity and breadth of this project. It’s been a rewarding experience for Aaron T. Kenny, the O41 facilities engineer overseeing the work. “We’re building the largest modules we’ve ever shipped out, and we’re utilizing a whole new design for something to carry these modules,” he said. “The engineering being done is amazing.”