NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The U.S. Navy is launching an investigation into the faulty welding practices at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS).
In a letter to the The House Armed Services Committee, Secretary Carlos Del Toro shared he was deeply disappointed when he learned of substandard welds on in-service and newly constructed Navy vessels on Sept. 24.
By failing to uphold quality, the secretary said NNS breached their contract. Now, understanding and analyzing the scope of the improper welds on operating ships is of “top priority.”
“I have directed my Navy technical experts to co-locate with the Shipyard immediately to support a thorough review,” Del Toro wrote.
The investigation comes after the Armed Services Committee said it wants to know just to what extent the Navy was aware of faulty welds on its vessels, and what they plan to do to resurrect the situation – and quickly.
“The safety of our sailors is our top concern, and we must immediately understand any risks associated with the faulty work,” members wrote in an Oct. 3 letter to Secretary Del Toro.
The committee requested for a briefing on the matter to be scheduled no later than Friday, Oct. 11. The Armed Services Committee oversees the Department of Defense, meaning it has the authority to conduct its oversight through investigations and deeper studies.
In the response to the committee, Del Toro said he’s aware of unsound welds on three in-service ships — Aircraft carrier USS George Washington and Virginia-class submarines USS Hyman G. Rickover and the USS New Jersey.
However, the Secretary affirms that the vessels are still stable. He explained that Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) assessed the welds in question, and deemed the parts were not on elements or systems that “affect ship safety or operations.”
The Navy is also looking closer to determine “the degree of deficiency” of each of the welds on 23 other vessels that are under maintenance or construction in Newport News.
More in-depth inspections have been ordered by the Secretary, who’s expecting a report back on those results by mid-October. In the meantime, there will be additional surveillance and training for the entire welding team in Newport News
The matter has also been sent to the Department of Justice to investigate potential claims for breach of contract or evidence of submission of false claims.
“Rest assured, the Navy is evaluating all legal options and reserving our rights accordingly,” Del Toro wrote.
The problems with welding at Newport News Shipbuilding came to light in September after shipbuilders reported the issue.
Soon after, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) President Jennifer Boykin noted that faulty welding may have been intentional in a post to LinkedIn.
