Article

2016-10-16 Government

Cmdr. Michael Wohnhaas, who commanded LCS Crew 106, was relieved “due to loss of confidence in his ability to effectively lead and carry out his assigned duties” on Oct. 13 by Commander of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) Vice Adm. Tom Rowden.

The decision was made following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the July 11 incident where USS Freedom’s number 2 main propulsion diesel engine was damaged.

The engine was damaged when “a leak from the attached seawater pump mechanical seal… resulted in seawater entering the engine lube oil system,” SURFPAC told USNI News in August. The ship returned to its San Diego homeport two days later for unrelated maintenance work and followed contamination procedures, and then returned to sea to participate in the Rim of the Pacific 2016 exercise while using its gas turbines for power instead of the main propulsion diesel engine. Only on Aug. 3 did a a Southwest Regional Maintenance Center diesel engine inspector discover “significant damage to the engine caused by rust and seawater,” SURFPAC spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Rebecca Haggard told USNI News in August.

The Navy still has not made a final decision on how to repair Freedom following the engineering casualty, according to the Navy’s announcement today.

Wohnhaas has been temporarily re-assigned to Rowden’s staff, and deputy commodore of LCS Squadron One Capt. Matthew McGonigle will temporarily serve as Crew 106 commanding officer.

Posted by Pappy 2016-10-16 00:01|| || Front Page|| [15 views ] Top

#1 The CO was relieved due to a leaky seal ?

Posted by Besoeker 2016-10-16 03:31|| 2016-10-16 03:31|| Front Page Top

#2 Ain't nobody going to want to run these ships after a couple more incidents like these.

Posted by gorb 2016-10-16 04:20|| 2016-10-16 04:20|| Front Page Top

#3 It was known, the "leak" was fixed by hammering in a wooden DC plug, thus allow the saltwater intrusion to continue.

Same CO (I think) has left a trail of damage, literally, in Freedoms wake. Whoops, Never mind that was Milwaukee.

http://wbay.com/2016/08/28/target-2-coast-guard-releases-chambers-island-wake-investigation/

Posted by Shipman 2016-10-16 08:31|| 2016-10-16 08:31|| Front Page Top

#4 "How to repair the Freedom?"

Last I can recall, full tear down and replacement was the cure for a pickled engine.

Posted by Skidmark 2016-10-16 09:29|| 2016-10-16 09:29|| Front Page Top

#5 I'm sort-of surprised they didn't come up with a modular package for the diesels.

Posted by Pappy 2016-10-16 13:05|| 2016-10-16 13:05|| Front Page Top

#6 Readiness stix?

Posted by Blossom Unains5562 2016-10-16 20:54|| 2016-10-16 20:54|| Front Page Top

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