Port Royal repairs to cost millions

[unhappycamper]

Port Royal repairs to cost millions
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Feb 28, 2009 10:02:36 EST

The cruiser Port Royal suffered widespread damage after it ran aground Feb. 5, according to an internal Navy report that detailed problems not only with propulsion gear, but also weapons, radars and other topside systems.

The preliminary damage assessment, a copy of which was obtained by Navy Times, depicts a ship in need of repairs that will cost tens of millions of dollars and take months in a dry dock, experts agreed.

Not only did the grounding cost the Port Royal several propeller blades, its sonar dome and both its anchors, the ship suffered extensive damage as it lay aground and rolled with the surf for three days before it was pulled off by salvage ships.

Some of the problems cited in the report include:

• Both drive shafts and their support struts suffered heavy pressure and twisting, and one seal leaked where the shaft goes through the hull.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/02/navy_port_royal_022809w/%2e