USS Arlington, which is assigned to the Kearsarge ARG, is being prepared for an upcoming deployment.

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC), a directorate under US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), has concluded depot level repairs to USS Arlington’s (LPD 24) knuckle boom crane.

The programme was intended to prepare the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, USS Arlington, for a forthcoming deployment.

As part of the repair project, MARMC’s Production Department (Code 900) removed and replaced the crane’s JIB cylinder.

The effort saw the participation of and support from local contractors, Arlington sailors, Philadelphia in-service engineering agents (ISEA), and MARMC’s Deck Machinery Branch (Code 255).

The knuckle boom crane returned to full operability within as soon as eight days.

Said to be vital to support amphibious operations, the knuckle boom crane enables lift or bring down boats to the waterline and load cargo.

Following the completion of repairs, MARMC worked with Colonna’s Shipyard to perform a weight test of the knuckle boom crane.

The USS Arlington vessel is currently assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

The Kearsarge ARG also includes USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

Kearsarge ARG commander captain David Guluzian said: “Through the combined efforts of MARMC, ISEA, Arlington Sailors, and local contractors, Arlington was able to exercise the ship’s small boat capabilities at sea. We thank MARMC and supporting teams in seeing this repair through to completion.”

Currently, the Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEU are carrying out a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

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