The waterfront production team for Bougainville (LHA 8) have been working tirelessly since the ship was launched. Included in their efforts are the installation and testing of a new electric anchor windlass system.

“This milestone displays what true teamwork is about,” said John Hamblin, foreman, Rigging. “We were all able to come together with the ideas we have learned through past endeavors and use them to accomplish an extraordinary task. We were able to complete this evolution safely and in a timely manner. There is nothing you can’t achieve with teamwork.”

All tests have been successful with the port anchor and the team is now working through the final stages of testing for the starboard anchor.

“This is a huge win for the team as we are well ahead of where we were at this point in time on previous ships,” said Pearce Hopkins, project manager, LHA 8 Program Office.

Previously, anchor windlass systems installed on LHD-class ships and America (LHA 6) have been hydraulic. Tripoli (LHA 7) was the first ship of its class to receive the electric system, which is the same one currently in use on CVN-78 class ships.

With these advancements, the electric system will mean less preventative maintenance throughout the life of the ship and reduce the need for hydraulic fluids, resulting in less weight on the ship.

Bougainville is the first Flight 1 America-class ship and features numerous enhancements from prior LHA and LHD class ships to better support amphibious assault and aviation missions.