Prior to docking, twenty tons of weight were removed from the LA JOLLA to enable the submarine to float higher in the dry dock. Once the sea level was reached, the caisson was reinstalled, and the dry dock was super-flooded. The flooding continued until the water level was three feet above the river level, allowing the submarine to breach over the strong backs. This innovative approach ensured safe maneuvering and precise positioning within the dock.

During the conversion phase, the strongback system played a key role by enabling SPMTs to access and maneuver easily in the dock basin. This enabled efficient relocation of hull cuts to the fabrication containments and seamless installation of the new sections.

Docking a 688-class submarine in a dry dock with less depth than the vessel’s draft presented significant challenges. Dry dock #3 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard is 27 feet deep, while the LA JOLLA drafts 30 feet, with the rudder extending two feet below the base. The solution involved removing all possible liquid and static weight (20 tons) while maintaining stability. Super flooding the dry dock allowed the submarine to clear the strong backs and breast over them safely, highlighting the accomplishment of the Norfolk team.
The author notes personal experience with dry docking the LA JOLLA in DD#2A at Pearl Harbor and another 688-class submarine in DD#3, both to a depth of 25 feet, using the BAM’S system.
Significance of the MTSs Training Platform
The Modular Nuclear Training Ship (MTS) serves as the next-generation training platform, used to qualify new nuclear operators and advance the capabilities of naval personnel.