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Post by End Zone on Apr 19, 2023 3:33:47 GMT -7
Last weekend, April 16, 2023, a Wisconsin shipyard, hired by the the US Navy to build small warships, launched a new LCS class destroyer. The launch was almost an embarrassing disaster for the shipyard. A massive shipyard tugboat that was used to pull the LCS from its support blocks was almost crushed by the free-falling LCS. This launch style is called 'side launch' and is common in the shipbuilding industry. Fortunately, the tugboat was at full power and pulling on the bow tow line when the LCS's starboard side hit the water. The tugboat barely avoided hull on hull contact and massive damages to both ships. The LCS's splashdown spray covers the entire tugboat.
The tugboat was clearly in the wrong position. The launch should have been delayed a few minutes to ensure correct ship positioning and safety.
Green Bay Packers fans know all about the shipyard. The tugboat crew will have good stories to tell at Wisconsin bars for the rest of their lives. The ship was not launched into Lake Michigan, but rather into the Menominee River which quickly flows into the 95 mile long Green Bay which then joins Lake Michigan. There is another ship-building yard in Sturgeon Bay, WI, just a short 25-mile boat ride away from Marinette.
Several media outlets offer recordings of the event. There were many observers for the launch. After the crowd realizes that the ships are undamaged and still floating, there is cheering. I bet the US Navy brass in the Pentagon was also cheering. Some Navy careers were saved by inches.
Done properly 5 years ago....an LCS launch is perfect.
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Post by FLCardinalFan on May 12, 2023 19:45:48 GMT -7
Last weekend, April 16, 2023, a Wisconsin shipyard, hired by the the US Navy to build small warships, launched a new LCS class destroyer. The launch was almost an embarrassing disaster for the shipyard. A massive shipyard tugboat that was used to pull the LCS from its support blocks was almost crushed by the free-falling LCS. This launch style is called 'side launch' and is common in the shipbuilding industry. Fortunately, the tugboat was at full power and pulling on the bow tow line when the LCS's starboard side hit the water. The tugboat barely avoided hull on hull contact and massive damages to both ships. The LCS's splashdown spray covers the entire tugboat. The tugboat was clearly in the wrong position. The launch should have been delayed a few minutes to ensure correct ship positioning and safety. Green Bay Packers fans know all about the shipyard. The tugboat crew will have good stories to tell at Wisconsin bars for the rest of their lives. The ship was not launched into Lake Michigan, but rather into the Menominee River which quickly flows into the 95 mile long Green Bay which then joins Lake Michigan. There is another ship-building yard in Sturgeon Bay, WI, just a short 25-mile boat ride away from Marinette. Several media outlets offer recordings of the event. There were many observers for the launch. After the crowd realizes that the ships are undamaged and still floating, there is cheering. I bet the US Navy brass in the Pentagon was also cheering. Some Navy careers were saved by inches. Done properly 5 years ago....an LCS launch is perfect. That was a close call, The second video gives you a great feeling about how good things are done properly.
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