CVN-74 completes dry dock portion of refueling and complex overhaul

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier John C. Stennis (CVN-74) has finished the dry dock portion of its refueling and complex overhaul, HII announced Monday.

This dry dock phase consisted of significant upgrades, including defueling and refueling the power plant, upgrading aircraft launch and recovery equipment, painting the ship’s hull, restoring propeller shafts and installing refurbished propellers and rudders, according to HII’s news release.

“Witnessing Stennis leave the dry dock and return to the water is a testament to the hard work of our shipbuilders, the crew and our government partners,” Rob Check, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president of in-service aircraft carrier programs, said in a statement. “We remain laser focused on the work ahead during this RCOH period and look forward to preparing this mighty aircraft carrier for the next half of its operational life.”

The carrier will now receive the rest of its RCOH work and testing, which includes the overhaul and installation of major components, as well as the testing of electronics, combat and propulsion systems. Crew living spaces, galleys and mess desks will also be improved.

“Our focus remains steadfast to get our ship back into the fight and to foster the professional and personal development of our sailors,” Capt. J. Patrick Thompson III, the ship’s commanding officer, said in a statement. “We look forward to continue working with our industry partners to complete remaining production and test work and redeliver Stennis back to the fleet.”

Stennis is the seventh Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to undergo RCOH work and was originally delivered to the Navy in 1995. The Navy awarded the overhaul contract to HII in 2021 -- a contract worth $3 billion.