Story by Sarah MacMillan, Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center
Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE) sent three technicians to install two 2500kVA pad-mounted transformers at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS).
The equipmentthat is pivotal to the shipyards electrical backbonewill be used to support operations at the PSNS dry dock 2 pump-well during the execution of special project repair contracts for the main dewatering pumps, motor converts and substations.
Built in 1911, the pump house at dry dock 2 utilizes a legacy voltage of 2300v, which is not supported by most infrastructure in todays modern age. Due to the overlapping maintenance projects, Naval Base Kitsap Public Works Department (NBK PWD) quickly realized it was not feasible to operate the dry dock during this period, as the maintenance projects would negatively affect Fleet ships and submarines scheduled for depot level maintenance, and quickly contacted MUSE to implement a solution to their problem.
Alexander Burke, NBK PWD General Electrical Foreman said, [MUSEs help] ensures the ability to dewater dry docks 1, 2 and 3 at PSNS. Without MUSEs help we would have been dead in the water.
The successful installation of the equipment at NBK PWD allowed continued operations of the dry dock facilities; which is a testament to the training and experience that MUSE technicians bring the NCF and Department of Defense.
During the installation, Construction Electrician 1st Class Dewain Smith, NAVFAC EXWC Detachment Officer in Charge, took the opportunity at NBK PWD to raise his right hand and take the oath of reenlistment during a reenlistment ceremony, performed by his younger brother, U.S. Army Captain Brian A. Smith.
It is pretty amazing to have this opportunity and work in an environment that affords me to travel and cross paths with my little brother, said Petty Officer Smith.
MUSE technicians are regarded as the technical experts of the Naval Construction Force. The technicianswho are hand selected to go through a rigorous yearlong training at the Armys Prime Power Schoolare called upon to problem solve and provide interim power solutions for commands all over the world.
To continue to be a valuable asset to the Navy and greater defense, MUSE technicians continue to provide the Fleet and defense facilities worldwide with interim power solutions that allow ships and equipment to be upgraded and overhauled, all while still operational for mission needs.
About Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC): NAVFAC EXWC is a command of more than 1,300 dedicated federal employees, contractors, and military personnel who provide science, research, development, testing, evaluation, specialized engineering, and mobile logistics capabilities to deliver sustainable facility and pragmatic expeditionary solutions to the warfighter.