Fitzgerald arrives in Pascagoula

WASHINGTON - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Pascagoula, Miss., on Jan. 19 aboard heavy lift vessel MV Transshelf from Yokosuka, Japan. Fitzgerald is expected to spend several days in the Port of Pascagoula as the heavy lift ship commences reverse operation of unfastening, lowering, and guiding the ship from the platform. The ship will then be taken to its designated pier at HII-Ingalls' shipyard. Due to the extent and complexity of restoration, both repair and new construction procedures will be used to accomplish the restoration and modernization efforts. Various Hull Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E), C4I and Combat System equipment, including the electronic warfare suite, radar, switchboard, gas turbine generator, and air condition plant require repair and/or replacement. Fitzgerald will also receive HM&E, Combat System and C5I upgrades that were originally planned for installation during a fiscal year 2019 availability. Work on the ship is expected to occur on a land level facility throughout 2018 and up to two quarters of 2019, followed by an extensive test and trials period to ensure systems and spaces are restored to full function and operational capabilities. The restoration and modernization efforts are expected to take about two years after work commences. (Source: Naval Sea Systems Command 01/19/18)