The welds performed by Shop 26 are critical for submarines and aircraft carriers, requiring advanced techniques and rigorous inspections using ultrasound or radiographic equipment. These inspections ensure the welds are free of defects that could compromise structural integrity.
According to Torey Hansen, general foreman of Shop 26, the welding process involves both manual and mechanical methods. For example, the 33-foot horizontal joint on the forward bulkhead is welded using a mechanical track welder, while the circumference welds—spanning 104 feet—are completed manually using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
The process is physically demanding, requiring welders to work in challenging positions and preheat the metal to 200 degrees Fahrenheit using strip heaters. These same techniques are also applied to inner bottom tanks of aircraft carriers, further emphasizing the complexity of the work.
To maintain their high standards, Shop 26 invests heavily in training and development. Welders undergo Advanced Continuous Training and Development, which includes mock-up exercises to simulate real-world tasks. This ensures that even new employees with no prior welding experience can develop the skills needed for critical Navy projects.
New hires start as helpers and can choose between an apprenticeship program or a Position Development Plan (PDP) to advance their careers. Both paths provide comprehensive training in various welding techniques, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), carbon arc gouging, and GMAW Pulse welding.
Hansen highlighted the importance of this training, stating, “We can take someone with no civilian welding experience and grow them into a skilled tradesperson capable of performing the most difficult and critical welding tasks the Navy requires.”
Shop 26’s work is vital to the U.S. Navy’s mission to maintain, modernize, and retire its fleet. By achieving first-time quality, the team not only ensures the safety and reliability of Navy vessels but also saves resources and maintains critical schedules.
In addition to their work on RCD packages, Shop 26 collaborates with Sailors at PSNS & IMF Everett Detachment to train them in advanced welding techniques. This partnership helps ensure destroyers homeported at Everett Naval Station are returned to sea in optimal condition.
Hansen emphasized the broader impact of their work, saying, “Welding and first-time quality is very important to the Navy and to all of us. We strive to perform our mission in the most cost-effective way possible while maintaining critical schedules.”
The achievements of Shop 26 reflect their dedication to precision, innovation, and workforce development. By combining advanced training, cutting-edge techniques, and a commitment to quality, they continue to play a crucial role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s fleet and infrastructure.
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