Navy probes welds

The Navy has ordered a re-inspection of potentially faulty pipe welds on ships built at Northrop Grumman's Pascagoula and Avondale shipyards during the past few years. Inspections target the DDG-51 destroyer and LPD-17 amphibious transport classes of ships, as well as the LHD-8 amphibious assault vessel Makin Island. Inspectors are finding 10 to 15 percent of welds are too thin to meet specifications. The flaws do not pose an immediate threat. Northrop said the company has recertified all of its pipe welders and inspectors and significantly increased inspections on piping systems. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 01/22/10)