The UNITED STATE Navy is exploring a casualty to among the major propulsion diesel motor (MPDE) aboard the initial littoral battle ship USS Freedom, which the Navy states will certainly require to be gotten rid of as well as reconstructed or changed completely.

The Navy stated Monday that the casualty took place July 11 as well as was created by a leakage from the affixed salt water pump mechanical seal that led to salt water getting in the engine lube oil system.

“The crew took action to address the leak, and Freedom returned to homeport July 13 on her own power to conduct repairs on a separate, unrelated issue,” the Navy stated in a press declaration. “While in port, the team done salt water contamination treatments. From July 19-28, the ship went back to sea to finish its part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) workout utilizing gas wind turbine engines instead of its MPDEs.

“Upon returning to port, Southwest Regional Maintenance Center’s Diesel Engine Inspector (SWRMC DEI) conducted a diesel engine inspection of USS Freedom’s #2 MPDE on August 3 and found significant damage to the engine caused by rust and seawater. Based on initial assessments from the inspection, Freedom’s #2 MPDE will need to be removed and rebuilt or replaced. The cost and timeline for the repair of the engine are unknown at this time. An investigation by Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) is underway to determine the definitive cause of the casualty and examine all relevant elements of training and supervision.”

The casualty is the most up to date in the expanding listing of concerns connected to the Navy’s besieged Littoral Combat Ship program. Back in January, the USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) was sidelined in Singapore after enduring damages to the ship’s incorporating equipments. The ship was anticipated to return San Diego under its very own power this summer season for a considerable fixing duration. Earlier in December 2015, the USS Milwaukee ( LCS 5) needed to be pulled right into port after shedding propulsion throughout an Atlantic Ocean transportation, simply one month after being appointed.

“Given the engineering casualties on USS Freedom and USS Fort Worth, I believe improvements in engineering oversight and training are necessary,” statedVice Adm Tom Rowden, leader,Naval Surface Forces “The recently completed LCS Review of manning, design, and training looked at a number of sailor performance and ownership factors, to include crew rotation, size and proficiency. From this work, I believe we will be able to make immediate changes to help reduce chance for future operator error. I am fully committed to ensuring that our ships and the Sailors who man them have the proper tools and training they need to safely and effectively operate these ships.”

The CNSP examination will certainly examine if the considerable damages to the # 2 MPDE was brought on by a mechanical failing or team mistake or both. Based on those outcomes, CNSP will certainly establish any kind of required rehabilitative activities, the Navy stated.