Work on the submarine, known as “The Granite Ghost,” will include shaft and full outer hull tile replacement, a complete overhaul of steering and diving systems, extensive electrical alterations, and a wide range of structural and mechanical inspections and repairs. This marks NNSY’s second Chief of Naval Operations availability on a Virginia-class submarine, following USS John Warner (SSN 785).
The project team is applying lessons learned from John Warner and other shipyard work to enhance execution. Improvements will include a single scaffolding system around the vessel, laser tracking by the Mechanical Group to identify hull inspection sites, and dedicated booths for blast, paint and cure processes.
The Submarine Structural Branch will lead tank inspections to improve efficiency. New Hampshire will also be the first full availability at NNSY supported by the Submarine Maintenance Operations Center Detachment, established in June 2025 to condense work packages and streamline planning.
Several project team members joined pre-availability testing at sea to build cohesion with the crew. Project Superintendent Tim Cox said, “This was one of the top five experiences of my career. We’ve been afforded a rare opportunity here. It’s not often you get to see the ship at sea before you work on her — and it deepens our commitment to restore New Hampshire to her place in the fleet. Her crew were exceptionally knowledgeable, courteous and proud of what they have accomplished.”
Assistant Project Superintendent Clyde Young added, “Observing our Sailors firsthand was a humbling experience and a clear reminder of the vital role we play in their overall mission success.”
New Hampshire recently completed complex multi-unit exercises and a seven-month deployment with U.S. European Command. “With the team’s rallying cry to ‘protect the standard and push the edge,’ the DMP is not just about repairs — it’s about elevating readiness, improving processes, and preserving the fighting spirit of the fleet,” said Cox. “The New Hampshire’s journey back to sea begins here, and her shipyard team is ready to meet the challenge.”
The shipyard itself is undergoing structural changes, with Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh becoming commander under a new pilot programme. NNSY now has three Navy captains overseeing carrier maintenance, submarine maintenance, and industrial operations, and reports directly to U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
“We welcome this great opportunity now before us at Norfolk Naval Shipyard,” said Hakimzadeh. “Through our multidisciplinary work teams having a ‘Focus and Finish’ mindset to prioritizing and completing jobs, improved accountability, and working toward barrier removal, we will provide timely delivery of USS New Hampshire back to the fleet.”
