Re-commissioning as PNS Alamgir; What went into that overhaul and transfer?
Further reports indicate that McInerney’s refurbishments are aimed at mechanical remediation and improving its anti-submarine capability only
USN Capt. Edward Lundquist (Ret.) describes the overhaul process for Pakistan’s Alamgir, which has to be conducted in the USA as part of the deal. VSE Corporation is the prime contractor, with work performed at BAE Systems Southeast Division (formerly Atlantic Marine Florida) in Jacksonville, FL, and US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in Washington, DC as the executing agency.
Most of the work was mechanical. All 4 diesels were removed and overhauled, along with air conditioning units and refrigeration. Fuel oil tanks and voids were cleaned, inspected, repaired and painted, all shafting was removed and renovated, and the controllable pitch propeller system was overhauled. Likewise, sea valves were removed and either repaired or replaced, and almost every pump was opened and inspected, resulting in an 80% overhaul rate there. Ventilators and fans went through a similar process, with a 50% overhaul rate. Breakers, the NR3 switchboard, the windlass and boat davit all got inspections and overhauls. Completely new equipment includes a new navigation suite and bridge, the composite dome over the fully overhauled SQS-56 sonar, and a VIP cabin.
Meanwhile, VSE’s Ship Transfer Assistance Team (STAT) provides training that’s capped by a light off assessment, and at sea exercises modeled after those employed by the US Navy’s Afloat Training Group. The crew of PNS Alamgir moved aboard in December 2010, and are being qualified in firefighting and damage control, PMS and 3-M, and trained to U.S. Navy PQS standards. Sea trials are expected in mid-late January 2011, with a goal of sailing PNS Alamgir away on Feb 11/10.